Shergar Cup Showdown: Horse Racing Previews for the Weekend of 9 August 2025

The first full weekend of August has a distinctly international flavour. Instead of Premier League football, the big stage belongs to Ascot and Haydock Park. Saturday sees the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup return to Ascot. It’s a quirky team competition where jockeys from different regions collect points for Great Britain & Ireland, Europe, the Rest of the World and Asia. Expect lively banter and a relaxed crowd – with so many moving parts, the meeting always throws up a few shocks. Over at Haydock Park, Ladies’ Day means the Rose of Lancaster Stakes and the Dick Hern Stakes, a perfect contrast to Ascot’s team shenanigans. Here are eight previews for the weekend’s key races, along with one tip for each.

Shergar Cup Dash – 13:35 Ascot (5 furlongs)

The opener at Ascot is a high‑velocity five‑furlong sprint. The Dash is run as a class 2 handicap and it tends to attract seasoned sprinters. Last year’s renewal was won by Holkham Bay, a four‑year‑old who used raw speed on the straight course. Draw and pace are key; horses racing near the stands’ rail often have an advantage when rain softens the ground. With light rain forecast and a moderate westerly wind, look for a horse with tactical speed that has proven itself over a straight course.

• Tip: Side with a front‑runner drawn high; proven straight‑track form at Ascot could be the difference.

Shergar Cup Stayers – 14:10 Ascot (1 m 7 f 209 y)

Two miles at Ascot is a test of endurance. The Stayers Handicap is another class 2 event. In recent years the race has rewarded patient tactics; in 2024, the evergreen stayer Ranch Hand ploughed through the field late on to win. Stamina and rhythm are everything. Horses that settle and finish strongly often outstay speedier types who waste energy early. The Shergar Cup format means jockeys may be riding unfamiliar mounts, so those with proven long‑distance records are easiest to trust.

• Tip: Look for a strong stayer with form over two miles; a jockey who is happy to bide their time can make a telling move in the final furlong.

Shergar Cup Challenge – 14:45 Ascot (1 m 3 f 211 y)

This 1¼‑mile+ challenge suits middle‑distance types. Many horses stepping up from a mile find the extra two furlongs within reach, while those dropping from longer races enjoy the class drop. The pace can be muddling because jockeys are riding for team points as well as individual glory. If you fancy a horse that likes to press on, make sure it’s versatile; the ability to either track the pace or produce a sustained run is crucial when tactics change mid‑race.

• Tip: Siding with a versatile middle‑distance performer who handles both quick and soft ground is a sensible play.

Shergar Cup Sprint – 15:20 Ascot (6 furlongs)

The six‑furlong sprint is restricted to three‑year‑olds. Younger sprinters can be quirky, and the big Ascot stage can unnerve less experienced types. Last year Jarraaf justified favouritism with a smart turn of foot. The key is to find a horse that is still improving and can handle some cut in the turf if the forecast rain arrives. Look for sprinters who have proven themselves against older horses or in big-field handicaps earlier in the summer.

• Tip: Back a progressive three‑year‑old with experience in large fields; adaptability to the ground is more important than raw speed.

Shergar Cup Classic – 15:55 Ascot (1 m 3 f 211 y)

The Classic is the only class 3 race on the Shergar Cup card. It is restricted to three‑year‑olds and often serves as a stepping stone for late‑maturing middle‑distance horses. Going Remote sprang a surprise last season, suggesting that lightly raced improvers can prosper when more exposed rivals have had harder campaigns. Pay close attention to horses stepping up in distance; those who have finished strongly over ten furlongs could relish this trip.

• Tip: Follow an unexposed three‑year‑old that is trying a longer trip; late progress in previous runs is a promising sign.

Shergar Cup Mile – 16:30 Ascot (7 f 213 y)

The day ends with a competitive mile handicap. It attracts strong fields because the prize fund is slightly higher than the other races. Recent renewals have been dominated by horses with turn‑of‑foot; New Image came with a sweeping run to win in 2024. Ascot’s straight mile rewards patience and racecraft. Horses drawn near the middle can track either side and get a tow into the race.

• Tip: Find a horse that finishes well over a mile; a mid‑draw and a patient rider are ideal for getting a clear run.

Dick Hern Stakes – 14:25 Haydock (1 mile)

Away from Ascot, Haydock Park’s Ladies’ Day begins with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Dick Hern Stakes. This listed contest is restricted to fillies and mares over a mile. The track’s long straight ensures the best horse wins; there are no hiding places. Past winners often go on to Group races later in the season, so expect a quality field. Tactically, it pays to sit handy because Haydock’s turns favour those who are already in position turning for home.

• Tip: Support a filly who has run well at Group or Listed level; race position entering the home straight is crucial at Haydock.

Rose of Lancaster Stakes – 15:00 Haydock (1 m 2 f 100 y)

The feature event at Haydock is the Betfred Rose of Lancaster Stakes. This middle‑distance race suits horses with a blend of speed and stamina. Over ten furlongs, Haydock’s relatively flat track rewards those who quicken off a strong gallop. The race frequently goes to horses dropping down from a mile and a half or stepping up from a mile, making it tricky for punters. The ground at Haydock can dry quickly, so watch the weather; a bit of cut brings stamina into play, while firm conditions favour turn‑of‑foot.

• Tip: Favour a versatile ten‑furlong specialist who has performed on both fast and soft ground; adaptability could be key.

Shergar Cup Showdown Wrap Up

The Shergar Cup brings together jockeys from around the globe and puts them in front of a raucous crowd. Throw in seven races at Haydock’s Ladies’ Day and you’ve got a weekend where punters need to stay sharp. As always, only bet what you can afford and enjoy the spectacle. For more insights, check out our betting tips page, explore bookmakers with generous new customer offers, and browse our latest bonuses to get extra value.