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RIYADH: The stage is set for the 2022 renewal of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and Concert at Ascot Racecourse on Aug. 6.

A change in format will this year see an even greater number of international stars taking part in the expanded competition to be decided over an eight-race card.

The teams representing Great Britain and Ireland, Europe, Rest of the World, and last year’s winners The Ladies, now comprise four riders each and will be captained by Jamie Spencer, Frankie Dettori, Christophe Lemaire, and Hayley Turner, respectively.

Saturday’s event will see the return, for the first time since 2019, of the multi-award-winning airport retailer’s senior executives entertaining guests in the Berkshire course’s premier hospitality facility.

Racing behind closed doors in 2020 forced the cancellation of the world’s premier international jockeys’ challenge and although the event returned last year, COVID-19 travel restrictions prevented the attendance of Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Colm McLoughlin, Joint Chief Operating Officer Salah Tahlak, and Senior Vice President of Marketing Sinead El-Sibai, who are all set to travel to the UK this week.

McLoughlin said: “We are very much looking forward to returning to Ascot for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, an event we have supported for more than 20 years, and as title sponsor since 2006.

“The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup has continued to evolve during our tenure and the new format provides even more opportunities for riders from all over the world to showcase their talent on this iconic international stage.”

Following the presentation of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup trophy to the winning team, racegoers will enjoy a post-event concert headlined by Grammy Award-winning English electronic music group Clean Bandit with multi-platinum-selling band, The Hoosiers. English singers Marvin Humes and Samm Henshaw will also be performing.