Ireland complete Shergar Cup hat-trick Ireland won the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup for the third successive year following a one-two in the closing Sprint at Ascot this afternoon. Richard Hughes' team were only third going into the race but when Fran Berry brought Morache Music home ahead of Colm O'Donoghue's mount Desert Law it was all change. Ireland's other winner came from Parlour Games (15/2) in the Titanic Belfast Shergar Cup Classic and it was slightly ironic O'Donoghue's mount came for Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni, as he usually rides for the team's great rival Aidan O'Brien. The chestnut was improving on his earlier form this season as he was driven three-quarters of a length clear of the 4/1 favourite Ithoughtitwasover. "There are great jockeys from around the world competing today and it's really nice to be part of it," said O'Donoghue. "I spoke to Frankie Dettori about the horse this morning and his advice worked well. It's about getting in there and getting the job done and I'm happy to ride a winner for the connections." The Irish team's tally of 70 points was enough to see off Britain on 63 with Rest Of The World third having led after five races. There was some consolation for the home team with Paul Hanagan winning the Silver Saddle for top jockey at the meeting.
