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Suraj Narredu's Ascot dream becomes a reality in Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup
Inspired by legendary Italian jockey Frankie Dettori, Indian trailblazer Narredu is hoping to lead Asia Team to glory at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup
- PUBLISHED: Thu 7 Aug 2025, 7:59 PM
It was while watching a grainy video clip of Frankie Dettori’s ‘Magnificent 7’, that unforgettable day in 1996 when the Italian superstar rode seven winners from seven rides at Ascot, that first lit the spark in a young Suraj Narredu.
At the time, Narredu was just a teenager growing up in an Indian family steeped in racing tradition. But watching Dettori’s feat didn’t just fuel a boy’s dream; it set him on a course that would forever change his life.
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“That day changed everything for me,” Suraj told Khaleej Times from Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England. “To see one rider dominate at the highest level, at a place like Ascot, triggered something in me. That’s the moment I decided I wanted to be a jockey.”
Fast forward to 2025, and Narredu, now 40 years old and India’s most decorated active jockey, has returned to Ascot to lead the newly introduced Asia Team at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, the world’s premier international jockeys’ competition.
Launched in 2000, the Shergar Cup, supported by its title sponsor since the beginning, features four teams of three riders each representing Asia, Europe, Great Britain & Ireland, and the Rest of the World. The riders will compete individually over six races to score points, with the highest scoring team winning a share of the total purse of £500,000.
While many stories this week will also focus on top riders like British sensation Hollie Doyle or ten-time Swedish champion jockey Per-Anders, Suraj’s emotional return to the racecourse where he once cheered his uncle, Malesh Narredu, from the stands, is at the heart of the 2025 Shergar Cup.
With over 2,400 wins and 110 Indian Classic victories, Suraj has nothing left to prove at home in India, but at Ascot, among world-class peers, he sees a platform to elevate not just himself, but Indian racing as a whole onto the international stage.
“This isn’t just about me ticking off a dream,” he says. “It’s about putting India on the global map. I want the racing world to sit up and take notice of Indian jockeys and the level of talent and dedication we have.”
Suraj’s teammates include Japan’s Ryusei Sakai and fellow countryman Mirai Iwata, winner of the 2023 World All-Star Jockeys title.
“I've met both of them; they’re amazing guys,” says Suraj. “We connected immediately. We were sharing stories about our countries’ racing scenes. It’s incredible how much respect there is between us.”
As for preparation, Suraj says his build-up has been razor-focused.
“From the moment I knew I was invited, my whole life pivoted to preparing for this,” he said. “Gym sessions got longer, and I cut back on racing in India to avoid injury. Competing here means you're up against the best; there’s no place to hide. It’s no place to be anything but your fittest, sharpest self.”
The sheer scale and history of Ascot, which was founded by Queen Anne in 1711, isn’t lost on him either.
“Riding at Ascot is like a cricketer walking out at Lord’s or a tennis player stepping onto Centre Court at Wimbledon,” he says. “This is hallowed ground. This is my Lord’s, my Wimbledon.”
When asked what a victory would mean, Narredu doesn’t pause; the answer comes with the conviction of someone who’s chased this Ascot dream for 16 long years.
“It would be the dream fully realised,” he says. “But more than that, it would be a statement: that Indian jockeys belong on this stage. I hope it inspires young riders back home to chase that same dream I had watching Frankie.”
Suraj’s Asia Team faces three formidable rivals.
Great Britain & Ireland is led by Hollie Doyle, joined by Robbie Dolan and Joanna Mason. Europe is captained by Per-Anders Gråberg, with Delphine Santiago and Darrio Di Tocco completing the trio. The Rest of the World team, led by Karis Teetan, includes Aussie star Hugh Bowman and debutante Katie Davis. a US stakes-winning jockey who recently featured in Netflix’s Race for the Crown.
For Dubai Duty Free the event is about elevating global talent and celebrating diversity.
“We are delighted to support this further step in the development of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, which continues to evolve to reflect our shared values and the spirit of top international competition: said Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi.
“We very much look forward to seeing how this year’s competition plays out and to welcoming the jockeys at one of the world’s greatest horseracing venues, particularly those making their Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup debuts.”
Shergar Cup Team Line‑Up (2025)
Team Europe
Per‑Anders Gråberg (Sweden, captain)
Dario Di Tocco (Italy)
Delphine Santiago (France)
Great Britain & Ireland
Hollie Doyle (Great Britain, captain)
Robbie Dolan (Ireland)
Joanna Mason (Great Britain & Ireland)
Asia (new for 2025)
Suraj Narredu (India, captain)
Ryusei Sakai (Japan)
Mirai Iwata (Japan)
Rest of the World (ROW)
Karis Teetan (Mauritius, captain)
Hugh Bowman (Australia)
Katie Davis (USA) - making her Shergar Cup debut