Kerrin McEvoy is relishing his return to Ascot as he prepares to make his Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup debut, reports At The Races in the UK.
The popular Australian - who shot to prominence when becoming the second youngest rider to win the Melbourne Cup when successful aboard Brew (2000) at the age of 20 - is no stranger to racegoers on British soil following a successful four year stint as number two jockey for Godolphin behind Frankie Dettori.
McEvoy rode 44 winners during his first season in England in 2004, clinching Classic success in that year's St Leger with a tremendous all-the-way effort aboard Rule Of Law, and also rode three Royal Ascot winners.
He returned to his homeland permanently in 2008 after being offered the top riding job for Sheikh Mohammed's Darley operation Down Under, and returns to Britain for the first time, competitively at least, as captain of the 'Rest of the World' team for the well-attended fixture.
"It's great to be here. When I left I thought I'd be back sooner than I have, but I had a jog around Ascot earlier in the week and it was like I'd never left," said McEvoy.
"I think we're all looking forward to being part of the Shergar Cup. It's a great concept and I think it's quite a big deal.
"I know people back home watch it and I'm guessing it's the same across Europe."
McEvoy is joined by his compatriot Blake Shinn, another Melbourne Cup-winning jockey who has never ridden in Britain before, and Ja panese superstar Yutaka Take, who rides at his seventh Shergar Cup having enjoyed four previous winners.
McEvoy said: "Blake came over for the Royal meeting and I know he's excited to be riding here.
"I've ridden against Yutake on a handful of occasions, he's been here before and his record speaks for itself.
"I think we have a good, strong team and I'd like to think we're all riders who can adapt quickly to horses we're not familiar with. It will all come down to luck on the day.
"I like to think of myself as a pretty laid back guy, but when it comes to 'game day' that competitiveness comes out. If we're in with a chance coming into the last couple of races, we'll be giving it all we've got.
"It's just a pleasure to be here. Just the name 'Ascot' oozes prestige."
McEvoy is hoping to restore some Australia pride, with the country's cricket team seemingly poised to relinquish the Ashes to England following a nightmare start to the fourth Test at Trent Bridge.
He said: "This is the most of the series I've watched, since I arrived here, and I think I'll have to turn off the TV.
"Nick Smith (Ascot's head of communications and international racing) has been grinning like a Cheshire cat!"