12th August 2017

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Spencer Can Help GB And Ireland Win The Shergar Cup

By Rick Elliott

The Shergar Cup is a strange concept that to my mind has never really caught on. It's a team event for jockeys that has a basic flaw. If I rode Shergar I'd probably beat Lester Piggott if he was on a slow horse. The quality of the horse is a massive factor in the outcome of any race and the rider's contribution is secondary. It also raises questions about female jockeys in racing whose team is called The Girls.

Hayley Turner is in the girl's team that by its very name highlights that the jockeys are female. She is making a comeback after retiring from the saddle two years ago. Turner is going to ride in France where she will receive a 4.4 pounds allowance across the board from her male colleagues. She is an experienced jockey who has ridden Group winners and will have a weight advantage over less experienced men.

Ironically Turner initially criticised the allowance as being sexist but has changed her tune. You can't blame her for exploiting the concession and she will ride lots of winners in France this winter. The female riders don't receive any concessions in the Shergar Cup and they have won the event in the past. However, that was more to do with the handicapping of the horses than rider input and that is often the case.

The organisers would say the Shergar Cup works because it attracts a decent crowd to Ascot every year and is live on television. Some team events are successful such as the Ryder Cup in golf because you have an interest in the players and competition. Does any really care who wins the Shergar Cup? The rider with the best mounts will score most points. The event is hyped to be something it is not and will never be because racing is about individuals and not teams.

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