He wasn’t competing under his native flag, but champion Australian jockey Hugh Bowman added another accolade to his glittering CV overnight Saturday, Australian time.
The Hall of Fame hoop, who is now based in Hong Kong, won the Silver Saddle award for the leading rider at the prestigious Shergar Cup at Ascot in England.
It was the second time Bowman has won the Silver Saddle award, following on from 2007 when he led the Rest Of The World team to victory.
“It is great to be back,” Bowman said.
“I am 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.
“It is great to be here, the Shergar Cup is a unique event.
“Riding on this track is something that all jockeys around the world aspire to do.
“I have had the privilege of doing it previously and to come back and win a race (is great).”
The Shergar Cup is a teams event that brings together 12 jockeys from all over the world who compete in teams of three and earn points depending on where they finish in the six races on the card.
Bowman competing alongside fellow Hong Kong hoop Karis Teetan, who is from Mauritius, and American rider Katie Davis in the Rest Of The World team.
Bowman won the first race on the card, the Shergar Cup Dash (1005m), on Vintage Clarets and rode two other placegetters.
The Shergar Cup was won by Team Asia, which was captained by Indian rider Suraj Narredu, who had a stint riding in Australia in 2023.
Narredu became the first Indian jockey to ride a winner at the Shergar Cup when he partnered Fireblade to victory in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (3208m).
“After my winner, to win the Shergar Cup on my debut is the icing on the cake,” Narredu said.
“I am glad to have made full use of the opportunity I was given. It is always good to learn, explore and experience things like this.”
