Dubai: Canadian Emma-Jayne Wilson has issed a strong warning to her male rivals ahead of Saturday’s Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, the only team competition in horse racing which will be held at Ascot Racecourse in England.
Twelve months ago the Eclipse Award-winning jockey came agonizingly close to leading her Girls team to victory by winning two out of six races and losing a third in a photograph. Olivier Peslier-led Europe won the title with 42 points to the Girls 40.
“I am thrilled to be coming back to Ascot for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and captaining the Girls team again,” Wilson said in a pre-event press release. “Hopefully we can show what girls can do and really prove ourselves.”
“Last year I was so hungry for the win and the fact that we were only one point off was huge. My plan is to come back this year and put things right!”
Top British female jockey, Hayley Turner, and Ireland’s Samantha Bell complete the line-up for The Girls.
Peslier, the four-time French Champion who will be making his fourth Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup appearance, as defending champions Europe’s captain, while former Godolphin rider Kerrin McEvoy will lead Rest of the World.
Jamie Spencer, who has been champion jockey in both Ireland and Britain, skippers Great Britain & Ireland.
The world’s premier international jockeys’ challenge attracts top riders from around the world and traditionally draws Ascot’s biggest crowd outside the Royal meeting.
Founded in 1999 at Goodwood, but hosted at Ascot since the following year, the points-based competition looks poised for a stellar renewal.
Spencer summed up the mood among the rides by saying: “I am really looking forward to taking part in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup for the first time in seven years.
“It is an honour to be asked to captain the Great Britain and Ireland team, especially since my good friend, Kerrin McEvoy, will be among the opposition.
“It is a unique competition and competing as part of a team adds a different dynamic to the day.”
McEvoy, who will be making his debut added: “I am delighted to be invited to ride in the Shergar Cup and go up against some of the best jockeys in the world.
“Ascot is a beautiful course and has provided me with some memorable moments so I look forward to taking part in this great competition.”
Commenting on the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman, Colm McLoughlin, said: “The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup has become a fiercely contested event as last year’s single point winning margin proves.”
“The captains selected for 2015 are among the most competitive and accomplished riders in the world and we look forward seeing them lead their respective teams into battle later this week.”
Europe are looking for a hat-trick of wins have won the last two editions of the Shergar Cup under Gerald Mosse in 2013 and Frankie Dettori last year. Prior to that they triumphed in 2008.
Rest of the World are the most successful with five wins including 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2012.
The Girls team, who joined the competition in 2012, are seeking for a breakthrough maiden triumph.
