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It’s the eighth running of the Shergar Cup tomorrow (the seventh at Ascot) and once again the GB and Ire team take on the Rest of the World in what is basically a jockey’s competition.
The meeting is a subject of ridicule from most people I know but I’ll stick my neck on the line and say that I’m more pro Shergar Cup than anti.
I can understand that it’s not a meeting for serious punting (possible team tactics and small fields) and it’s all very light hearted and aimed more at those who like a bit of fun, in particular those who aren’t yet into racing – a great PR opportunity for Ascot and the jockeys. I suppose as someone who’s not into betting myself, I disregard that angle anyway and watch it for the spectacle its intended to be. One problem I have though is the naming of the races as "distaff", "mile" etc. I think the original intention was to have something closer to Breeder’s Cup quality than handicappers but after the first year (where Diktat was one of the winners) the quality rapidly declined.
I can imagine a lot of people on here disregard the whole event totally and most likely think it a laughable gimmick that would be better left out of the racing calendar. Personally though, I think it’s a good way to market the sport to younger people and the general public, where the spotlight is put on the jockeys, some of which don’t ride over here normally. Also, it’s just one day of the year and I’d rather watch the Shergar Cup than half the dross I’ve seen this week (a la Brighton and Catterick on Tuesday).
What does everyone else think?
I think it has its place in the racing calendar because its different and offers a bit of variety.
In terms of betting I stay well clear of it I agree with you Meshaheer it’s not for the serious punter in my opinion but it’s not all about betting is it? Sometimes you just need a little bit of fun, a little bit of something different and thats how I see the Shergar Cup.
The Shergar Cup is a bigger carve-up than a Flintstone barbecue.
Anyone intent on punting at the meeting should bear that in mind. Expect a few very iffy results.
I was considering this the other day.
There doesn’t seem to be any significant place for the Shergar Cup in relation to the top flight of flat racing.
However it seems to have been well placed during a lull weekend in between said top races and as it doesn’t interfere with those prestige contests in terms of luring decent horses, as well as serving something novel to the casual Grandstand viewer of a Saturday who might not normally turn on for say the King George through lack of knowledge or interest of the history of it, I can’t say that I have a problem with it.
It’s presumably a nice day out for those who attend, obviously not a great betting proposition but if you want a bet then there are other cards. It’s a bit of fun and does no harm, it’s no more disruptive to the calendar than the Newmarket Greys handicap and serves much the same purpose in terms of public entertainment, so let them get on with it and good luck.
Might add that in recent years, yes the quality of horse has tailed off since Diktat but it’s good to see some international riders over here, not always the best displays of jockeyship but there have been some good performances from both teams over the years.
:laugh: William Hill are doing some novelty bets concerning Charlotte Church…can’t remember the prices they’re offering but they go pretty short about her being "visibly drunk" by the time she goes on stage.
Still, it gives the racing enthusiasts the time to get out :biggrin:
P.S – error above: it’s actually the sixth running of the Shergar Cup at Ascot thanks to redevlopment!
With a possibly of team tactics being in operation, does this mean that there is a greater chance of horses not being ridden to gain their best possible placing.
Anyone remember Hughie Morrison a few years back complaining that one of his horses had been sacrificed by coming wide off the rail to leave a clear passage through for a team mate.
Quote: from davidjohnson on 12:23 am on Aug. 12, 2006[br]With a possibly of team tactics being in operation, does this mean that there is a greater chance of horses not being ridden to gain their best possible placing.
Anyone remember Hughie Morrison a few years back complaining that one of his horses had been sacrificed by coming wide off the rail to leave a clear passage through for a team mate.
Yes and what if the Jockey when called in says that he rode the horse to obtain the best possible result for the team….now that would put the Stewards in a slightly awkward place wouldnt it.
I think in fairness all the trainers now know the score with this so I cant see too many repeats of the morrison incident. If I distincly remember some other well known trainer wasnt best pleased on his horse being used for pacemaker either.
SHL
It’s changed since the days of the Morrison incident. Back then it was the team selectors who issued instructions and not the trainers I believe, now it’s back to the trainers issuing orders and IIRC team tactics will not be looked on favourably ie. best possible placing, harsh ban etc.
Don’t think it’s in the spirit of the competition either.
I remember that incident very well David. It was Kieren Fallon on the pacemaker who went wide pushing out my Riyadh in the process (whom Kieren rode to victory in the Ascot Stks on his previous run) allowing Mana d’Argent to come home by about 15 lengths. The decision was then made not to have a runner at the meeting again.
I also remember the usually amiable Richard Hannon complaining bitterly that a foreign rider had completely ignored his tactics.Hannon does have runners today- guess the prize money is good for the class of horse.<br>Overall I see it as a gimmick day, with jockeys inexperienced in UK conditions and confused rules about the reserves. I won’t be interested.<br>Many going will doubtless see Charlotte Church as the main attraction as per these pop concert meetings
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Quote: from sberry on 1:53 pm on Aug. 12, 2006[br]it should, of course, be held on the polytrack
<br>And under floodlights.
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