Hughes proves the best

Pat Eddery romps to victory on Mana d'Argent

Richard Hughes and Mark Johnston were the stars of the show as Great Britain and Ireland captured the 2002 Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday.

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Hughes rode three winners and took the Silver Saddle trophy for the day's top jockey as his team defeated the Rest of the World 137-110.

Johnston also completed a double to carry off the £7,500 cheque for the leading trainer.

Racewatch: Shergar Cup

The duo teamed up in the first race of the day as Bouncing Bowdler got the best of a four-way photograph for the Moss Bros Shergar Cup Mile.

The 12-1 chance made all the running, and though challenged strongly in the final stages, held off Dumaran and Japanese rider Hiroki Goto by a short-head for the prize.

Hughes followed up by giving veteran trainer Reg Hollinshead a welcome boost as Goldeva squeezed through to take the Porthault Shergar Cup Distaff.

The 20-1 shot came late under Hughes to edge out Vita Spericolata by three-quarters of a length.

It's been an amazing day, really special

Richard Hughes

"This was the first horse we owned," said trainer Mike Pyle.

"We bought her from Reg when she was just a scruffy foal with warts on her nose and to come and win a race like this at Ascot is brilliant."

Hughes completed a 1,227½-1 treble as King's Welcome landed the Carvill Shergar Cup Challenge.

"It's been an amazing day, really special," said the winning rider.

"I have to thank Khalid Abdullah for letting me off my one ride at Newmarket so I could be here.

"To do it against some of the best riders in the world makes it even more amazing. You get a real buzz."

Shergar Cup photos

Johnston completed his own double when course specialist Mana d'Argent and Pat Eddery romped to victory in the Millennium Hotels Shergar Cup Stayers.

It was Eddery's first winner for Johnston.

Meanwhile, 6-4 favourite Feet So Fast won the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint with the contest all but over.

Sent clear a furlong out by Michael Kinane, the winner easily accounted for Ashdown Express by three lengths and will now be aimed at the Diadem Stakes.

Hiraki Goto was the most successful of the Rest of the World team jockeys, picking up 27 points.