Shergar Cup finale puts World Pool betting to the test at Ascot

The Shergar Cup reaches its conclusion at Ascot this afternoon with two feature handicaps that will decide the winning team and the top rider in the competition's new format. The meeting also marks the debut of World Pool betting on the event, linking British racecourse wagering directly into the Hong Kong Jockey Club's liquidity hub for the first time.

Organisers have restructured the traditional team competition around six international squads, each with three jockeys, and the final standings will hinge on the Shergar Cup Mile at 4.30pm and the Shergar Cup Stayers Handicap at 2.10pm. Prize money for the winning team has been increased to £200,000, with a further £50,000 for the leading individual rider.

Mile contest draws top-class mile performers

The mile handicap has attracted a competitive field of proven handicappers. Ryan Moore takes the ride on Ozat for trainer Ian Williams. The five-year-old finished fifteenth in the Golden Mile at Goodwood last week but encountered repeated traffic problems in the closing stages; his jockey eased him down inside the final furlong, and the form has been upgraded by the handicapper with a further 2lb drop. Ozat also ran respectably in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot in June, suggesting he handles the track.

Opposition includes Bullet Point, a dual Group-placed performer for William Haggas who has been off the track since May. The six-year-old carries a mark just 1lb above his winning handicap rating at York last season and is partnered by Christophe Lemaire. EBT's Guard, runner-up to Ozat in the Goodwood Golden Mile with a clearer run, adds depth having finished fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup and third at Sandown earlier this summer.

Stayers' test suits versatile front-runner

The earlier stayers' handicap over nearly two miles looks set to be dominated by Mountain Road, a seven-year-old who has won at the highest handicap level from both the front and off the pace. His most recent success came at Thirsk where he quickened smartly from the rear, while a previous victory at Newmarket came via a front-running grind. Japanese legend Yutaka Take takes the mount, adding further international flavour.

Trainer Ian Williams also saddles Dancing In Paris, who returns to his optimum trip, while last-time-out winner Marnier completes the leading trio for World Pool Quinella purposes. The new bet type, which requires punters to select the first two finishers in any order, is being offered on both feature races.

With the team championship and the leading rider title both undecided heading into the final two contests, the afternoon promises a genuine sporting climax to go alongside the betting innovation. First race of the card goes off at 1.35pm.