Yutaka Take joins elite field as Suraj Narredu targets Shergar Cup repeat at Ascot

Yutaka Take will line up against Suraj Narredu at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup on 8 August 2026, as the Indian jockey targets a second straight victory at Ascot Racecourse.

What’s happening at the Shergar Cup?

The 2026 Shergar Cup returns to Ascot on 8 August, pairing elite riders from Great Britain & Ireland, Europe, Hong Kong and the Rest of the World. Suraj Narredu, India’s leading jockey, will ride for the Rest of the World team after last year’s breakthrough win in the Shergar Cup Stayers.

Yutaka Take, the 55-year-old Japanese legend, joins the field as one of the sport’s most decorated jockeys. Narredu’s 2025 victory marked the first time an Indian rider won at the Shergar Cup, putting Indian racing on the global map.

Why Yutaka Take matters in this race

Take brings decades of experience to the Rest of the World team, facing off against Narredu and other top riders. The Japanese star has long been a benchmark for Asian jockeys, and his presence adds weight to the event’s international appeal.

Narredu’s 2025 win came in the Stayers race, a seven-furlong contest that tests stamina and racecraft. His repeat bid this year pits him against a field stacked with champions, including Take, who has ridden to victory in Japan’s biggest races.

How Narredu plans to defend his title

Speaking ahead of the event, Narredu called the Shergar Cup “a matter of immense pride.” He pointed to last year’s win as a career highlight and said he’s ready to embrace the challenge of a new team.

With over 2,500 career wins and four Indian Derby titles, Narredu has spent two decades at the top of Indian racing. His 2025 Shergar Cup triumph made him the first Indian to win at the event, and a second straight podium would further cement his legacy.

What’s next for the Shergar Cup?

The 2026 edition introduces Team Hong Kong, joining Great Britain & Ireland, Europe and the Rest of the World. The competition runs at Ascot, a track known for its speed and undulations, making it a true test of skill.

Narredu’s return to Ascot carries extra weight after Team Asia’s absence this year. His chance to ride alongside Take and the world’s best could spark another historic moment for Indian racing.