Turner aiming for Shergar Cup hat-trick

Hayley Turner is hoping to be named the leading rider at the Shergar Cup for the third successive time during Saturday's renewal of the Ascot team competition.

The 38-year-old has described the event as her favourite on the calendar and it is easy to see why.

She was named top rider in both 2018 and 2019, while she will once again captain the ladies' team in the six-race contest this year. 

Turner feels if she were to be named best rider in 2021, she would have a legitimate claim to keep the Shergar Cup trophy for good. 

Turner said: "It's my favourite day of the year, it's a lot of fun,

"I'd like to think [I could win again]. My dad was telling me if you win the World Cup [three times] you get to actually keep it, so I'm thinking if I win it for a third year, surely I get to keep the actual Shergar Cup?" 

Egan ready for Mishriff rematch with St Mark's Basilica

Jockey David Egan is relishing the prospect of Mishriff and St Mark's Basilica renewing their rivalry in the Juddmonte International at York later this month.

Egan saddled Mishriff to a third-placed finish when the two horses last locked horns at the start of July in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown — a race the Aidan O'Brien-trained St Mark's Basilica won. 

Mishriff has since finished second in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot but Egan is confident the four-year-old will be on top form on the Knavesmire on August 18. 

Asked about the Juddmonte International, Egan said: "It's an exciting feeling, we'll probably have to take on St Mark's Basilica.

"Mishriff was a little bit ring-rusty the first day at Sandown, so it would be nice to have a go at him again." 

Dettori hails Racing League concept

Frankie Dettori has given a big thumbs-up to the newly formed Racing League after getting his first taste of the competition at Doncaster on Thursday.

The Italian jockey was representing the Newmarket Red team at Town Moor and he accumulated 18 points from his three rides, although a race victory eluded him, with third place proving his best showing aboard Autumn Flight. 

Despite not registering a winner, Dettori was still full of praise for the Racing League as he feels the concept will help attract a new audience to the sport. 

The 50-year-old said: "It's something different that will hopefully attract younger audiences, especially with the team concept. 

"It's started off well and looks to already be a success." 

Kennedy expects to return ahead of Listowel Festival

Jockey Jack Kennedy is confident he will be back up to full fitness ahead of next month's Listowel Harvest Festival.

This year's Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey suffered damage to the cartilage linked to his ribs during a fall aboard hurdling debutante Alice Kitty at Roscommon on Tuesday evening. 

That incident, which took place at the first flight of what was a three-year-old maiden hurdle, ruled seven of the 16 runners out of the contest.

But Kennedy managed to avoid serious injury and he is confident of returning well ahead of the Listowel Harvest Festival, which is due to take place between September 19-25. 

He said: "I've done some damage to the cartilage that the ribs join on to. 

"I'll be back in two or three weeks, I think. I'm expecting to be back in time for Listowel anyway."