Shergar fixture may be moved to avoid clashes

Ascot officials could move the date of the Shergar Cup meeting to prevent clashes with other big international fixtures.

The loss of stars such as Frankie Dettori and Johnny Murtagh, who had other commitments, was a big blow to organisers of racing's international jockeys' team competition last year.

And though the event will take place as scheduled on 8 August, Ascot's PR director Nick Smith says there is a good case for moving the card in future.

He said: "We won't make any dramatic changes this year, but maybe next year. I would like to move it away from where it is now, clashing as it does with the Arlington Million in the US, which is really problematic. You could lose the likes of Frankie Dettori or Johnny Murtagh, plus the top American names.

"Nothing can be done in a knee-jerk fashion or at the drop of a hat. But there is definitely a case for moving it, if we can find a suitable date away from those other international race days.

"It also clashes with Deauville, which means you can't get the top French jockeys here."

Television coverage will also be crucial, according to Smith.

He added: "We want the BBC to commit to the Shergar Cup to the longer term, and if that means making changes to make it 'more appealing' - we can't be much more appealing, we've already got a bigger crowd than we get for the King George meeting - we will try. It is the only race-day that a network covers all six races."