The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup At Ascot Racecourse

The world’s premier international jockeys’ competition, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, is coming to Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 9th August. It will be followed by a free evening concert for racegoers, Ascot Live!, hosted by TV personality and former BBC Radio 1 DJ Vernon Kay and featuring The Stars From The Commitments, Scouting for Girls, B*Witched, Bjorn Again and the one and only, Chesney Hawkes.

Now in its 14th year, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is one of Ascot’s most loved race meetings. As the only team-format raceday in the UK, groups of friends and families turn out in their thousands to pledge their allegiance to one of four teams of top international jockeys seeking victory by collectively acquiring the most number of points for their team through success across the six-race card.

The four teams are Great Britain & Ireland, Europe, the Rest of the World and The Girls. Stars of the track to watch out for include Frankie Dettori and Andrea Atzeni riding for Europe (providing they are not claimed to ride elsewhere by their retaining owners), South African superstar S’manga Khumalo who has ridden to prominence in his homeland recently and will be making his UK debut at the event, ever popular Canadian Emma-Jayne Wilson and Brit Hayley Turner who will be making her eighth appearance in the competition representing the Girls Team.

Away from the track the free concert, Ascot Live! will begin after racing. Premier Admission ticket holders will have a short priority access period allowing them to get towards the front of the stage.

There will also be a fairground to be enjoyed by all ages and, for the first time at Ascot, a zip wire will be open throughout the day. For younger racegoers there will be pony riding and a soft play area, plus children can eat for free in the Bandstand Restaurant and Queen Anne Grill when accompanied by a full paying adult.

Saturday’s host, Vernon Kay said, “Really excited to be hosting Ascot Live! this year, Ascot being the pinnacle of horse racing. The line-up is looking like great fun both on and away from the track. I’m really looking forward to it and I hope to see as many of you as possible there.”

The Stars from The Commitments said, “We are expecting the day to be one of the highlights for the band in 2014. The line-up of entertainment is second to none and we encourage anyone who can make it to please do so, and help spread the word of Dublin Soul by singing-a-long to some of the greatest soul classics of all time.”

B*Witched added, “We are very excited about gigging at Ascot. We’re looking forward to playing some of our old favourites including 'C'est La Vie' and 'Weatherman' as well as sharing some songs from our new EP 'Champagne and Guinness' See you there!”

Grandstand Admission from £20 in advance. Premier Admission from £35 in advance. Book now to secure up to 20% off ‘on the day’ prices. Free entry for 18’s. Concert included within the raceday ticket.

Or treat yourself to a day in a restaurant or private box. Ascot has a wide range of restaurants, bars and concessions offering a variety of food and drink options at different price points. Plus private boxes for hire with a host of different packages available.