'I can't wait' - former champion apprentice delighted to land first Derby ride

David Egan was six when his dad John rode in the Investec Derby and now gets the chance to have a go himself after getting the call to partner Gold Maze.

The 21-year-old is one of six jockeys having their first ride in the Classic.

Egan, who partners unbeaten filly Fooraat in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes 40 minutes before the Derby, has not ridden at Epsom before on the day of the race.

The 2017 champion apprentice is thrilled to ride last weekend's Irish Derby sixth Gold Maze, his first ride for trainer Jessica Harrington.

Investec Derby card and betting

"I can't wait," said Egan. "It was a nice phone call to get to say I might have a chance to ride in the Derby and when it was confirmed I was over the moon.

"I’m very lucky to be in the position I’m in, all thanks to the owners [The Long Wait Partnership] and Mrs Harrington for having the confidence in me to give me the leg up.

Gold Maze (left) was second in the Gallinule Stakes last month before he finished sixth in the Irish DerbyCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

“I haven’t spoken to connections yet, but the horse is by Golden Horn, which is a good start, a Derby winner himself. He’s got good form in pattern company and he didn’t run a bad race when beaten eleven lengths in the Irish Derby last week so hopefully he’ll run a good race."

Egan was a six-year-old when his dad John had his only ride in the Derby, finishing 16th on 150-1 chance Snoqualmie Boy in 2006, but he recalls watching the race every year on the BBC and Channel 4 as a child.

“Growing up I always watched Channel 4 and BBC racing when it was on and obviously it was one of the big highlights of the year," he said. "I watched it every year and all the great horses over the last ten years I’d remember, before then I probably wouldn’t remember it. From Sea The Stars onwards I can remember them all."

Derby debuts

Epsom career records (course winners/rides)

Harry Bentley (10/92)
Ben Curtis (0/8)
David Egan (0/23)
Martin Harley (5/35)
Tom Marquand (5/56)
Emmet McNamara (0/0)

The other five making their Derby debuts are Harry Bentley (Max Vega), Ben Curtis (Highland Chief), Martin Harley (Worthily), Tom Marquand (Khalifa Sat) and Emmet McNamara (Serpentine).

They are all hoping to emulate the three riders this century to win the Derby on their first attempt – Padraig Beggy (Wings Of Eagles), Mickael Barzalona (Pour Moi) and Kevin Manning (New Approach).

Investec Derby betting

bet365: 11-4 English King, 4 Kameko, 5 Mogul, 13-2 Russian Emperor, 10 Vatican City, 16 Highland Chief, Pyledriver, 20 Mohican Heights, 25 Serpentine, 33 bar

Read more on the Epsom and the Derby debutants here:

A year to remember continues for jockey Ben Curtis after Derby call-up

Childhood Derby dream comes true for first-time rider Harry Bentley

No English King, no problem: Tom Marquand keen on Derby ride Khalifa Sat

Moore sides with Mogul in Derby as Heffernan eyes Epsom-Chantilly double

2020 Investec Derby: the runners, the odds, the verdict

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