‘This one is for India,’ says Suraj Narrendu after registering a thrilling victory in Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers

Indian jockey Suraj Narredu performs a flying dismount after his win with Fireblade. Pic Courtesy: racingpost.com

Ace Indian jockey Suraj Narredu etched his name in history, achieving a remarkable milestone for himself and his nation by powering Fireblade to a thrilling victory in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers on Saturday at the prestigious Royal Ascot racetrack in the United Kingdom. The triumph marked a moment of pride for Indian horse racing, as Narredu became the first Indian jockey to conquer this iconic venue.

"It's a dream come true, riding at [Royal] Ascot and having a winner," said an emotional Suraj. After crossing the finish line, he dismounted Fireblade with a signature high jump, a celebratory move immortalised by his idol, Frankie Dettori. For Narredu, the moment was deeply personal. As a young boy, he was inspired to pursue a career as a jockey after watching Dettori's legendary seven straight victories at Ascot in 1996. To ride a winner at the same track and honour Dettori with his iconic dismount felt like a full-circle moment. "This one is for India," Narredu declared in the winner's enclosure, dedicating his triumph to his homeland. "It's a proud moment for India, for the Indian racing fraternity back home."

Narredu's victory was not just a personal triumph but a collective one. As captain of Team Asia, he led his squad to a nail-biting victory in the jockeys' contest for the Shergar Cup, amassing 68 points to edge out Team Europe (67).