'I've loved it in Japan' - David Egan fourth in jockeys' championship as trip comes to an end

David Egan had a lucrative end to his two-month spell in Japan last weekend and sat fourth in the Japan Racing Association (JRA) jockeys' championship after landing a double at Chukyo to take his tally to 19 winners.

Earlier this month, the former champion apprentice steered last year’s Japan Cup third Weltreisende home by a neck in the Nikkei Shinshun Hai as he neared the end of his two-month contract, which began on December 5.

Egan was completing a high-profile double that day having steered three-year-old filly Dar Es Salaam home in the Listed Kobai Stakes.

David Egan: enjoyed a first Classic success in the autumn on Eldar EldarovCredit: Edward Whitaker

His farewell double lifted Egan up to fourth behind Yuga Kawada in the jockeys' title, with a prize-money return of 240,925,000 yen (£1,496.867, €1,600,725) but second only to Kawada on earnings.

The 23-year-old jockey won the 2021 Saudi Cup  on Mishriff before recording his highest domestic return last season with 93 winners, including a first Classic success with Eldar Eldarov in the St Leger.

He said: "I've loved it in Japan. I rode 19 winners, including multiple stakes winners, and to ride a Group 2 and a Listed winner was the highlight.

"I would hope go out there again but it's always tough to get in. I'll do my best to have a good season in Britain and try to ride some big winners to encourage them to take me back."

Egan's father John said of his son’s exploits in the Far East: "It's a fantastic achievement by David do so well his first time riding in Japan.

"He has shown that he can adapt wherever he goes, which is what it takes to become a world-class jockey. I'm very proud of what he has achieved so far and very much looking forward to the coming season in the UK."

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