Horse racing: Captain Turner ready to lead by example

The Dubai Duty Free-sponsored event has had its critics over the years but will be staged for the 12th time this weekend, with a huge crowd expected. Turner, 29, has ridden in seven renewals, partnering four winners, and will join forces with star Canadians Chantal Sutherland and Emma-Jayne Wilson.

Turner said: “I don’t think Chantal and Emma-Jayne need much advice from me as they are experienced jockeys. They will do their homework about the horses they are riding and I should be able to help them. I look forward to the Shergar Cup every year - it is just something a little bit different.”

Wilson, 30, was born in Canada to British parents and has some experience of London and Ascot. She said: “I arrived late Tuesday morning and I made an attempt to go down to the Olympic Park but that was rather short-lived, although it was good fun to bounce around London a little bit. We used to come to England every now and then when I was younger so I have been to London a couple of times before, but never as an independent adult. I am riding at Woodbine in Toronto on Sunday, the day after the Shergar Cup, so I have a car ready to make a quick getaway.”

Sutherland has become a familiar name to viewers of racing Stateside. The 36-year-old has enjoyed a terrific association with the Bob Baffert-trained Game On Dude and the pair were narrowly denied in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic. A model and aspiring actress, Sutherland is closing in on 1,000 career winners. She said: “I don’t know a whole lot about Ascot but it looks like it will be an amazing experience. It would be amazing to have a winner at Ascot and I am really excited to be part of the event.”

Johnny Murtagh will form part of a three-man team representing Great Britain and Ireland. Ireland’s champion jockey will join forces with countryman Kieren Fallon and rising star James Doyle. Team Europe will be led by Frankie Dettori, who will be accompanied by Andreas Suborics and Cristian Demuro. The Rest of the World outfit features Yutaka Take, Aaron Gryder and Matthew Chadwick.

l Cosmic Chatter looks a juvenile with a bright future after his romp in the Musselburgh sunshine in the British Stallion Studs EBF Conditions Stakes.

Ridden by Graham Gibbons, he slammed 1-4 hot-pot Liber by a comprehensive three-lengths.

Winning trainer David Barron, who has sold a half share of Cosmic Chatter to Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: “It was his first time away from home and it just got to him. I like him a lot and he’ll go to York next for the Roses Stakes.”

Thirsk-based Barron went on to complete a quick double with Sohcahtoa, partnered by Luke Mcniff, in the Cruden Group Handicap.

Arley Hall won the Cornhill Builders Handicap.