Australian Craig Williams won the first race in the Shergar Cup at Ascot but the Rest of the World team failed to capitalise on the good start in the teams event.

Europe won the challenge by one point from the female riders' team despite captain Frankie Dettori failing to win a race.

Great Britain and Ireland edged the Rest of the World by a point for third place.

Williams has competed in the series on two previous occasions but his win on the Robert Cowell-trained Goldream was his first.

"It's the third time I've ridden in it and my first winner so I've probably got more points on the board there than from my other two times!" Williams said.

"I love the concept and the way the public embrace it. It's one of those events you hope to get the phone call for.

"Robert was great to ride for, he didn't tie me to instructions. He just told me 'don't get him covered up and trust in the horse'."

Williams will be back riding in Melbourne next Saturday after spending the past couple of months in Japan and England.

Olivier Peslier's consistent performance helped Europe to win the Cup from the women's team led by Canadian Emma-Jayne Wilson.

"What a captain I am," Dettori said.

"Three points and four of my horses lame.

"Thank goodness for the other two. But in truth we did have the most experienced team.

"Olivier has been my good friend for more than 20 years. Just a wonderful natural jockey, cooler than a cucumber when it mattered.

"Adrie (de Vies) is so talented and as nice a guy as you will meet, and a world-class jockey, even if he isn't so well known here as Olivier."