David Egan loving life under Kia Joorabchian - but there’ll only ever be one ‘guv’nor’

David Egan: learned his craft under the 'guv'nor' Roger VarianCredit: Edward Whitaker

David Egan has paid tribute to the trainer who set him on the path to stardom and will always be “the guv’nor” to him as he looked forward to a potentially massive week at Royal Ascot as Amo Racing’s retained rider.

Egan was speaking to the Racing Post for a major interview in Sunday’s newspaper, in which he reflected warmly on riding for Amo boss Kia Joorabchian, listed his best opportunities for a winner next week and discussed the early steps in the sport that led him to becoming one of Britain’s top jockeys.

The 25-year-old had grown up in Ireland but returned to Britain in 2015 to live with his father, fellow jockey John Egan, and four weeks at racing school culminated in a week at Roger Varian’s yard. It soon became a dream first job and a chance to learn from the best, the trainer's steady approach building a solid foundation of ability and character.

"In my first year I only rode seven winners but I was getting vital experience, doing groundwork rather than jumping in before I was ready," said Egan. "That year of not race-riding was a big advantage, just building up my strength and experience, riding work with terrific jockeys and ex-jockeys, Andrea Atzeni, Jack Mitchell, Paul Eddery and John Lowe. There was a wealth of experience for me to draw on, and you wouldn't get away with much either. You'd soon be put back in your place, which is important for an apprentice.

Eldar Eldarov: David Egan enjoyed an Irish St Leger win over Kyprios on the Roger Varian-trained stayerCredit: Patrick McCann

"Even in my second year, when I was champion apprentice, I wasn't getting that many rides off Roger because he has a lot of big owners with their own jockeys, but I was able to get experience for other people, building my connections that way, and then when I lost my claim and really needed him he gave me the lift to the next level on those good horses.

"Pilaster in the Lillie Langtry was the first – I'd just turned professional and the next day I rode a Group 2 winner for him at Glorious Goodwood. It was nice to repay a great mentor like him.

"He's still always 'guv'nor' to me, never anything else."

Read more from David Egan in the Big Read, available in Sunday's newspaper or online for Racing Post+ Ultimate subscribers from 6pm on Saturday.

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