The Narredu clan has been bringing laurels to the country in the horse racing realm since the 1980s. Inspired by his father Satish\u2019s journey and uplifted by his uncle Malesh\u2019s performance at Ascot sixteen years ago, Suraj Narredu, who has won the Indian Derby thrice in a row, is all set to take the legacy abroad with the debut of Team Asia at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Suraj is one of the youngest jockeys to have over 2,400 career wins, including 110 Classics and over 250 Group races. He has been named India\u2019s Champion Jockey four times and has topped 27 different race meetings across the country.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSeeing Frankie Dettori\u2019s \u2018Magnificent 7\u2019 on video \u2013 even in grainy footage \u2013 had a magical effect on me. I was just a kid, but watching him win all seven races that day at Ascot (in 1996) was the moment I knew I wanted to follow this path,\u201d said the 40-year-old.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Launched in 2000, the Shergar Cup brings together top jockeys in a unique team-based format. With four teams \u2013 Asia, Europe, Great Britain & Ireland, and the Rest of the World \u2013 and a loyal title sponsor since day one, the event features six exciting races. Riders score points individually, but it\u2019s the team with the highest tally that walks away with a share of the \u00a3500,000 (\u20b95.3 crore) purse.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Joining Suraj on Team Asia are Japanese jockeys Ryusei Sakai and Mirai Iwata, the latter having claimed the World All-Star Jockeys crown in 2023.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cRiding at Ascot is like a cricketer walking out at Lord\u2019s or a tennis player stepping onto Centre Court. This is my Lord\u2019s, my Wimbledon,\u201d says Suraj. \u201cThis journey goes beyond personal glory. I want the world to know that Indian jockeys can shine globally,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, representing Great Britain & Ireland is a formidable trio led by Hollie Doyle, joined by Robbie Dolan and Joanna Mason. Team Europe will be captained by Per-Anders Gr\u00e5berg, with Delphine Santiago and Darrio Di Tocco adding depth to the lineup. The Rest of the World team will be led by Karis Teetan, joined by Hugh Bowman and Katie Davis, who recently gained global attention through Netflix\u2019s Race for the Crown.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cRiding at Ascot is like a cricketer walking out at Lord\u2019s or a tennis player stepping onto Centre Court. This is my Lord\u2019s, my Wimbledon,\u201d says Suraj. \u201cThis journey goes beyond personal glory. I want the world to know that Indian jockeys can shine globally,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
At its heart, the Shergar Cup is a celebration of global talent, culture, and competition. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to support the continued growth of this one-of-a-kind event,\u201d said Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi. \u201cIt reflects everything we value \u2014 excellence, diversity, and the unifying power of sport.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n