Ascot revealed the news on Tuesday that this season there will be no running of the Shergar Cup meeting due to the on going situation taking place in the world.
The team competition that sees riders from all over the world take part was scheduled for August 8th with four groups of riders teaming up across six races to take part in the prestigious race day.
However, with many travel restrictions currently in place and racing set to take place behind closed doors, Ascot have come to the decision to cancel the event.
#ShergarCup double for @Hayleyturner123! Sapa Inca wins the @DDFRacing Shergar Cup Classic for the Girls team at @Ascot… pic.twitter.com/mBWtdba5Q8
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 10, 2019
(Credit At The Races) Director of racing and public affairs Nick Smith said: “Regrettably, given the complexities of flying jockeys around the world and uncertainty over what Governmental regulations will be in place at the time, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup won’t take place this year.”
Guy Henderson, chief executive at Ascot, added: “Following discussions with long-term event partners Dubai Duty Free, we decided that this event, even if logistically possible, wouldn’t be the same without crowds and that the best option was to plan ahead to return with the event in 2021.
“Our thanks go to Colm McLoughlin and the Dubai Duty Free team for their ongoing support of the competition.”
Ascot, on the August 8th will still be hosting a race day but like any racecourse, still behind closed doors and this is supposed to be the way forward until September at the earliest.