SOUTH Africa’s Champion Jockey-elect, S’Manga Khumalo, will form part of the Rest of the World team contesting the 2014 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday, 9 August. In this, his UK debut, S’manga will be lining up alongside Japanese jockeys Yutaka Take (captain) and Yuichi Fukunaga.

Khumalo, nicknamed “Bling” on account of his peroxide blond hair, has won a plethora of Grade 1 races in South Africa, notably the 2013 Durban July on Heavy Metal.  In doing so, he made history by becoming the first black South African to ride the winner of the continent of Africa’s premier race.

S’Manga Khumalo (cnn.com).

“Winning the Durban July was my career highlight and sent a message to all black South Africans that racing is a sport for all in the modern era,” said S’manga. “To be recognised globally and invited to ride in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup on the back of that victory is another very proud moment for me and I look forward to meeting and riding with the two Japanese legends in the Rest of the World Team.”

This year the value of the competition has risen by 33%, with all six competition races now £40,000 handicaps rather than the £30,000 of last year. Each jockey will get five rides as they bid to win the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup for their team and there is £3,000 for the Silver Saddle-winning jockey (the top jockey overall). Points are awarded 15, 10, 7, 5, 3 for the first five horses home with 4 points for a non-runner.

The teams are:

GB and Ireland: Tom Queally, Richard Hughes, Ryan Moore.

Europe: Frankie Dettori, Andrea Atzeni, Adrie de Vries

International: Yutaka Take, Yuichi Fukunaga, S’Manga Khumalo

Ladies Team: Haley Turner, Emma-Jayne Wilson (CAN), Steffi Hofer (Ger)