Dubai
Duty Free Shergar Cup day was officially launched when the four teams were
introduced to an enthusiastic crowd thronging Ascot's parade ring.
After a
welcome from Colm McLoughlin, the Executive Vice Chairman of the sponsors, and
a display of athletic dancing from the Pineapple Cheerleaders, the 12 jockeys
who will be battling for team and individual honours were presented by ATR's
Matt Chapman.
First
out, captaining the European side, was Gerald Mosse, joined by mascot Emma
Stigter, 9, and his colleagues Ioritz Mendizabal and Andrasch Starke. "I'm
very happy to be here - let the best team win," said Mosse.
American
Gary Stevens, captaining the Rest of the World side, admitted: "I've never
ridden at a meeting with cheerleaders," which seemed strange given the
country of his birth. "I'm glad to be back here," he added, after
being joined by mascot Jamie Sweetman, 9, and team mates Yasunari Iwata of
Japan and Brazilian Joao Moreira.
Rosie
Napravnik, captain of The Girls' side, walked out with mascot Poppy Perry, 7,
and fellow riders Cathy Gannon and Lisa Allpress. The skipper said: "This
day has been so celebrated I'm glad to be taking part. I cannot wait to get out
on the track - we're going to win."
The
Britain and Ireland captain, Kieren Fallon, in partnership with James Doyle and
Kevin Manning and mascot Harry Prescott, 8, said: "We've got a good team
and some good rides with one or two bankers. We want to win."
No comments:
Post a Comment