'I'm 57, but I'm riding better than when I was 30!' - elder statesman John Egan revels in Ebor festival success

John Egan may be the weighing room's elder statesman, but the evergreen rider insists he has plenty of fire left in the saddle after a major winner at York's Ebor meeting.

The 57-year-old's career has spanned five decades and included multiple Group 1 successes and winners across the world. While he may be in the twilight of his riding days, his victory on Asgard's Captain in Friday's 1m4f handicap only fuelled his desire to keep defying the odds.

"I'm 57, but I honestly feel like I'm riding better than when I was in my 30s," Egan said. "When I was in my 30s I went out, I smoked and didn't go to the gym, but I don't do the first two anymore and go to the gym now. I'm also better for my experience too – you can't beat that.

Asgard's Captain (farside) beats Insanity in the 1m4f handicap at YorkCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

"It's been a while since I've been in the winner's enclosure at York. Dylan [Cunha, winning trainer] said to me, 'Go on, this could be your last chance of a winner here', and I said, 'No, no, I'll be here next year!'. It's a brilliant feeling, especially with David [Egan] being in the race too."

Egan beat his son and fellow high-class rider David, who finished fifth on Champagne Prince and continued a fine month for the family. David landed Group 1 glory on Power Blue in the Phoenix Stakes, while his sister Alexandra has ridden three of her four winners in August.

"Alexandra has made such a great start and she came round last night," John Egan said. "She'd ridden a winner at Chelmsford, but only wanted to watch the replays of the horse she came second on, as she said she should've won on them. She wants to learn.

"It's brilliant riding against my kids, but when you go out in a race it doesn't make much difference. The competitor comes out inside you and you want to beat them more than anybody else – I don't like getting beat!"

It is possible there will be a sting in the tail for Egan after the York stewards reportedly counted him using his whip seven times, one above the permitted level. If the whip committee agrees when it meets next week, he would face a suspension.

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