New look for Ascot's Shergar Cup due to restrictions on international travel

There will be a new look to next month's Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot due to complications surrounding long-haul travel.

The jockeys' challenge, which was cancelled last year, traditionally features four teams: Europe, Great Britain and Ireland, Rest of the World and the Ladies, renamed from 'The Girls' this year.

However, due to the complexities of international travel, Great Britain and Ireland will be split into two teams for the first time since 2011. There will still be a female team and the Rest of the World team will incorporate Europe and be likely to comprise European-based riders.

"It will be slightly different and it's a question of needs-must as there are still complexities surrounding international travel. You need only look at the recent cancellation of this year's Australian Grand Prix to realise how complicated global travel for professional sportspeople is," said Nick Smith, director of racing and public affairs at Ascot.

"We don't really know what quarantines may be in place in countries from which we are seeking jockeys, regardless of what will be in place in Britain by August. It seemed sensible to make it a slightly less intercontinental affair this year and concentrate on Europe, but it was important to bring the event back after losing it last season."

Hayley Turner: leading rider at the Shergar CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

Regarding the decision to change the name of the female jockeys' team, Smith added: "It's probably fair to say the general public engaged with the idea of a 'Girls' team but the terminology is perhaps not quite appropriate so we decided to call it the Ladies."

The track confirmed the team will include Hayley Turner, the top jockey at the Shergar Cup, with eight winners from 13 appearances. The make-up of the rest of the teams has not yet been announced.

"I'm excited that the Shergar Cup is around the corner," said Turner. "It's one of my favourite days of the year. The girls team is always strong and we get lots of supporters – it's going to be fun."

The jockeys at the meeting will ride in team silks as normal, with each of the 12 riders wearing a different-coloured cap, which will remain constant through the day.

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