There is no place for a South African jockey in a strong Rest Of The World Team for the Dubai Duty Free Ascot Shergar Cup on Saturday.
Anthony Delpech rode last year, while Gavin Lerena made a big impression in 2016. S’manga Khumalo rode there in 2014.
The 2018 team features Yutaka Take, Corey Brown and Japan-based ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira, while the girls team comprises Josephine Gordon, Hayley Turner and Hollie Doyle. Domestic commitments have delayed announcement of the teams.
Ascot racecourse is confident of full fields for all seven races at its annual jockey challenge meeting on Saturday, despite reopening three of the contests at the five-day stage in an attempt to attract more entries.
Frankie Dettori – commitments could disrupt plans
There is less certainty, however, that Frankie Dettori will be able to captain the Europe team in the four‑way jockeys’ contest, as Britain’s best‑known rider could be required to ride at Haydock Park or Newmarket for his principal trainer, John Gosden.
Races at the Shergar Cup need 10 runners and two reserves to give all four teams of riders – Great Britain & Ireland, Europe, Rest of the World and The Girls – as equal a chance as possible to prevail.
A number of UK tracks have suffered from falling field sizes this summer because of the prevailing fast ground but Ascot does not expect to have any problems filling its races on Saturday despite reopening the events
