India’s Ace jockey, Suraj Narredu is UK bound to make his debut at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, a global racing event, the world watches. He has been chosen to lead the Asia Team that will vie for honours with a pool of internationally acclaimed horsemen. The competition format has four teams - Team Asia, Team Europe, Team Great Britain & Ireland and the Rest of the World team all comprising of three jockeys per team.

The popular horseracing extravaganza is highly competitive. The six-race card slated for Saturday, 9th August 2025, offers high octane and engaging racing. The jockeys will be awarded points commensurate to the position they finish in each race. The points are awarded as follows:

Winner - 15 points

Second -10 points
Third    -    7 points
Fourth    -    5 points
Fifth.    -    3 points
The aggregate score in the final tally of the six races will determine the winning team.

Suraj, despite the long flight to Heathrow, sounded excited when indiarace got in touch to get his views and an insight on his preparation for the mega event.

Indiarace (IR): Your first reaction on being selected to lead Team Asia for the Shergar Cup.

Suraj Narredu (SN): Its one the best feelings and I was really excited when I got that news. I will admit that there is that tiny bit of nervousness that I will be carrying a lot of hopes of the Indian Racing fraternity. However, the honour and prestige that comes with the privilege of representing my country and the Continent also gives me the confidence and the motivation to do my best for India and Asia.

IR: What does it mean to you personally and professionally to represent India and Asia at a global event as big as the Shergar Cup?

SN: Personally, it is a very big deal and a reward for the hard work I have put in for so many years. Secondly, the opportunity to represent India on such a huge global stage is an honour in itself. Thirdly, competing with the best riders of the world would be challenging and considering the history of the jockeys that will be participating, the adrenaline is already bubbling inside me.

The best of the best have ridden in the Shergar Cup and it is a very big event and for me to ride at Royal Ascot is akin to playing Test Cricket at Lords and Tennis at Wimbledon! The sheer aura has no match! Hence, to ride on such a prestigious track, where the best of the horses have raced, is something I am hungry to experience.

Let me tell you, the very reason that my aspiration turned to determination to become a jockey, was seeing Frankie (Dettori) win the ‘Magnificent Seven’ at Royal Ascot! That was awe-inspiring and it was that instant that triggered me to decide that I would do what it takes to become a jockey.

Professionally, I am representing my country, my fellow jockeys and the entire racing fraternity from India and that motivates me amply to do my best and fight all the way. That’s what my team mates Mira Iwata and Ryusei Sakai are going to do as well; and in the process if a win or two comes along and Team Asia wins, we would be jubilant.

IR: How does it feel to be the first Indian Jockey to be leading Team Asia at the Shergar Cup at Royal Ascot?

It came as a pleasant surprise when I was named the captain of the Asian team. I did not expect that and it is a matter of pride that I will be captaining Team Asia. I am teaming with two top Japanese jockeys. We are optimistic and raring to go as a team!

IR: What is the team strategy going to be?

SN: I am not too sure how a strategy will work as its an individual sport. We would definitely sit together and share inputs. I am sure we will put a plan in place.

IR: How have you been preparing on your fitness for the Shergar Cup?

SN: I watch what I eat, the diet is the foremost care one has to take. My physical fitness routine is regular workouts and I have put in a special chart of activities aiming to be at my best for the 9th of August.

Apart from riding morning track work, I have been working out four days a week, two days of cardio, two days of pilates for past few months. This year I have increased my gym training sessions for better conditioning, particularly in view of the Shergar Cup.

My race riding too keeps me alert and fit, but I have been selective about the mounts I pick in the ongoing racing season in India, to remain injury-free and ensuring nothing untoward happens.

IR: What do you think Indian racing needs to do for more jockeys to compete internationally at this level?

SN: Once Indian racing is showcased on a global platform and our races get more recognition worldwide, our jockeys will start getting better opportunities. In order for that to happen we need to to put Indian racing on the map. We have had exchange of apprentice jockeys earlier, which would enrich the experience for aspirants and was an ideal grooming program for younger talent to grow. We also used to have international stalwarts riding in India for most of the Mumbai and Bangalore seasons. If we could revive that, in my opinion, it will open an ideal gateway for our Indian lads to ride overseas.

IR: How have your experiences riding overseas helped you?

SN: My stints abroad have helped me improve as a rider. Exchanging notes with international talent is very helpful in evolving in this ever-learning process for a jockey. Also, it has helped me to keep my calm on a big day, thereby, learning to soak in the pressure. This helps to focus more on doing what’s best for the horse. The calm, clear, head helps minimise mistakes and can have a positive impact all-round, especially on a stage as big as the Shergar cup.

IR: What are your personal goals?

SN: To ride at as many centres as I can. After the Shergar Cup I will be staying back in England to try and get some rides, to gain more exposure and experience. That will surely enrich me. My longterm goal is to ride at Hong Kong and Japan, its not very easy, but we never know, hope and determination are positive energies that can help achieve most things in life.

IR: You message or advise for young aspiring jockeys?

It is necessary to have the desire and to be passionate about what you want to do and how dedicated you can be to achieve that goal. That is the mantra to guide your path to success. There are no shortcuts in the game and sacrifices are a given.