'I like fast things - as well as Adayar I like to partner planes out of Duxford'

Former apprentice jockey Josh Crane, who rides out Derby winner Adayar every day, knows plenty about other flying machines – he's a qualified pilot with ambitions to fly for Godolphin sponsors Emirates airline.

The 29-year-old, who rode nine winners as a 7lb claimer for Chris Dwyer, quit the saddle in 2014 after struggling with his weight.

He said: "I like fast things and as well as Adayar I like to partner planes out of Duxford as I have a private pilot's licence that cost me around £10,000 to get with all the qualifications.

"I don't fly the jockeys, it's purely recreational, although one day I could fly professionally, and the dream would be to fly for Emirates airline, who are one of Godolphin's sponsors."

After leaving Dwyer in 2014, Crane started with Godolphin at Saeed bin Suroor's yard after which he rode work for Sir Michael Stoute. He joined Appleby last year and sat on Adayar for the first time in February.

Flying machine: Derby hero Adayar is ridden out daily by pilot Josh CraneCredit: Edward Whitaker

He said: "Adayar was bit of a character earlier this year but he's now in a steady routine and I take him to the front of the string everyday. He does everything in front as he's such a big horse, he needs to roll on, needs nothing to get in his way."

On his chances before his defeat of Mojo Star and Hurricane Lane, he said: "I thought he was a definite each-way chance going into the race as he'd finished second in two Derby trials and he was only beaten by a length by Third Realm at Lingfield.

"He was 40-1 after all that rain on Friday and I went and backed him as he was way overpriced. I thought if he got a positive ride he would outrun his odds.

"Adam [Kirby] got him handy and got him across on to the rail. I knew there would be no excuses if he got beat from there. One thing I was shocked about, however, was the turn of foot he showed as previously he'd just been a galloper. It's all very exciting for the rest of the year."

Read more on the 2021 Cazoo Derby:

Charlie Appleby reveals next step for Derby hero Adayar with Arc on the horizon

'I'd work another 15 years as hard as I could to have one more day like that' (Members' Club)

'It's mad, it's crazy' – Adam Kirby revels in breakthrough Classic on Adayar

The dramatic moment when Adam Kirby and brave Adayar secured Derby glory

'The most impressive winner since Golden Horn' – our experts' Derby assessments

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