Hughes pursues Shergar repeat

The competition, which features three-strong teams from Britain, Ireland, Europe and the Rest of the World, always attracts plenty of attention with its cosmopolitan mix of riders.

However, it was the side representing Ireland who triumphed in 2009 - with Hughes also claiming the Silver Saddle award as leading rider.

Hughes, who arrives in fantastic form after a most fruitful spell at Glorious Goodwood, teams up with Fran Berry and Pat Smullen for the Emerald Isle this term and is hoping to retain both prizes. "It's a nice novelty and good fun. It draws the crowds so it must be good," said Hughes. "I've taken a look at some of the draw and they (the horses] look good so we have a fair chance. I couldn't be happier with the team. Pat and Fran are both top guys and there is sure to be a good craic in the weighing room.

"It's a little bit quiet to start with as people aren't quite sure of each other. It gets much better as the day goes on when the competition rises and by the end of the day there is plenty of banter flying about."

The mounts for each rider were allocated in a draw on Thursday and a new development for 2010 is the introduction of team colours for each side.

Hughes added: "The colours are a good thing because it means we don't have to keep changing, but it must be a nightmare for the commentator trying to pick out the horses. I don't envy them!"

While Hughes will be at the helm of the Irish side, South African champion Anton Marcus will skipper the Rest of the World team. Marcus will be having his first ride in Britain but he was a runaway winner in his native title race and is keen to broaden his horizons by experiencing the different riding style in Britain. "The Shergar Cup is going to be exciting for me and I am sure it will be a great spectacle for racegoers and those watching on television," he said. "South African racing is probably similar to French racing - jump out, take a sit and then sprint, whereas here the pace is more honest. I am just looking forward to the whole day at Ascot - it is an honour to be invited and I want to make the most of the day."

Although the international riding stars demand the majority of the headlines, the six-race card provides a good opportunity of decent prize money for trainers.

Andrew Balding is one of the handlers keen to support the event and will saddle five runners across the day. He said: "Set The Trend would have a great chance in the Mile and so would Opera Gal in the Classic. She ran well over the course and distance last time. We have Bernie The Bolt in the Stayers. He is really coming to himself now and should go well. Fireback would have a squeak in the last [Sprint] and if Hatton Flight could find his old form, he would go well."

The European side, which comprises of Rispoli, Christophe Soumillon and Olivier Peslier, are the general favourites to win while the British team is made up of captain Hayley Turner, Alan Munro and Jim Crowley. Japanese star Yasunari Iwata completes the line-up of riders in the Rest of the World team.

Elsewhere, Rio De La Plata can continue his renaissance and complete a high-profile double for Godolphin with victory in the totesport.com Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock.

White Moonstone should have initiated the Godolphin brace with victory in Newmarket's German-Thoroughbred.com Sweet Solera Stakes.

Krypton Factor can defy a further rise in the ratings in the Northgate Vehicle Hire Nursery at Redcar and Questioning can make a winning bow in Lingfield's Moore Lane Maiden Stakes, while Only A Splash can strike in the Allure Boutique Irvine Handicap at Ayr.