David Egan handed short-term licence to ride in Japan this winter

Classic-winning jockey David Egan is looking forward to joining weighing-room colleagues Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle in Japan this winter after being given a short-term licence to ride in the country.

The former champion apprentice has endured some ups and downs this year, not least when losing the ride on Mishriff in the summer, but he bounced back with a productive autumn highlighted by his first Classic triumph on the Roger Varian-trained Eldar Eldarov in the St Leger at Doncaster in September.

Egan also won the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes for the same trainer, and owner KHK Racing, on Sakheer in September and last month landed the Group 3 Horris Hill Stakes on the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Knight in the same colours.

The jockey has ridden 86 winners this year – nine more than his previous best annual tally – and will keep busy in Britain until heading to the far east next month.

He said: “I won’t be here for Christmas or the new year so I’ll have to put a Christmas tree in my carry-on bag, but it’s not new to me as I’ve spent many festive seasons abroad.

"The Japan Racing Association has given me a two-month licence which begins on December 5 and ends on January 30.”

He added: “It’s not the first time I’ve been out there as I rode in a jockeys’ challenge a few years ago. Although I ended up with no winners that day it was a great to experience the routine and meet some of the trainers and owners there which will hopefully stand me in good stead for my return.

"They asked me earlier in the year and it will be good to get my foot in the door.“

Reflecting on the disappointing run of Eldar Eldarov on British Champions Day at Ascot last month, Egan added: “It may have been a race too many that day but if you put a line through that he has a tremendous CV having won at Royal Ascot and then a Classic. Hopefully, he can come back and be a nice Cup horse for next year.”

Read this next:

Mullins set to unleash star two-milers Ferny Hollow and Gentleman De Mee

Sign up to receive The Ante-Postman, Robbie Wilders' top weekly newsletter. Get weekend tips, festival fancies and big-race selections delivered straight to your inbox.