Hugh Bowman has again triumphed on the 'hallowed ground' at Ascot by taking the Silver Saddle for leading individual rider in the 2025 Shergar Cup on Saturday.
Bowman first won the Silver Saddle award 19 years ago and although a win and two placings weren't enough to lift his rest of the world team to victory overall, the Hong Kong-based Australian was thrilled to add another piece of silverware to his over-flowing trophy cabinet.
“I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to ride here this year, representing the Rest of the World team, and to be back at the Royal Ascot track, it’s hallowed ground, it’s an honour,” Bowman said. “It is a unique track. When you ride here, regardless of the occasion, there’s a sense of pride and a sense of occasion.
“So it’s a very testing track for horse and rider, and having been here before certainly helps.”
After winning the opening race of the day with Vintage Clarets, Bowman had the rest of the world trio in contention but the Asian ream of Suraj Narredu, Mirai Iwata and Ryusei Sakai and Mirai Iwata won the Shergar Cup.
Bowman joined an illustrious list of jockeys that includes Gerald Mosse and Richard Hughes to have won the Shergar Cup twice.
“We’ve had a good afternoon,” Bowman said. “Obviously we won the first race and have a had a couple of others who ran very well.
“It’s my second Silver Saddle in three attempts.
“It’s good fun and a more relaxed environment than a normal raceday, particularly when you’re riding against different jockeys from different corners of the world.
“It’s usually in a major race when the stakes are very high and it’s very important for everyone. As important as this is, it’s a little more relaxed.”
The rest of the world team also included Hong Kong-based rider Karis Teetan, who will now travel to Japan to compete in the World All-Star Jockeys at Sapporo Racecourse on August 23 and 24.
