Shergar Cup jockeys 'not up to scratch'

The usual polite and faintly smarmy tone of British media coverage of the Shergar Cup at Ascot racecourse was upended at the weekend when a racing luminary said some visiting jockeys at the 2025 event weren't good enough.

- Mike Moon

"The general feeling among trainers is that the standard of jockey is noticeably lower than usual," said Maureen Haggas, daughter of the late great Lester Piggott.

"Hugh Bowman and Karis Teetan are very good riders but, without pointing any fingers, there are one or two who maybe shouldn't be here," said the wife of, and assistant to, top trainer William Haggas.

"This is a good event, a great concept and a popular day, but trainers need to have confidence in the jockeys. I'm not trying to be cruel about anyone, but the organisers need to be a little more selective. I also think they should have kept the ladies' team."