Leading British-based jockey is spending the winter riding in Florida – where last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic hero White Abarrio scored in minor company on Friday [Nov 22]
Leading British-based jockey David Egan has returned to Gulfstream Park for the 2024-2025 Championship Meet that gets underway Thanksgiving Day with the goal to improve on his eight winning rides during the 2023-2024 winter session.
The multiple G1-winning rider finished third aboard Wicked Legacy in the Friday opener on his first mount since venturing back to the US upon the conclusion of the Flat racing season in Europe.
“I had a great spell here but I felt I probably came a bit late in the meet, not knowing Gulfstream and the whole system,” said Egan. “Coming in in late December, everyone was up and rolling.
“It was a conscious decision to get out here as soon as the grass stopped in the UK,” added the 25-year-old. “I’m really looking forward to working hard in the mornings and getting the opportunity to show what I can do.”
County Kildare native Egan was champion apprentice in Britain in 2017. He achieved international stardom aboard Mishriff, winner of the Saudi Cup, Dubai Sheema Classic and Juddmonte International in 2021, and dual St Leger winner Eldar Eldarov.
Egan thinks the experience he gained from his stint during the 2023-2024 Championship Meet will serve him well this season. “I felt it actually benefited me riding back in the UK – the gate speed and everything like that,” he said.
“The dirt was something I always loved watching, that style of racing, that tenacity, that war of attrition, the horse with the biggest heart wins. Last year can only help me this year.”
Egan, who rode in Japan during the 2022-2023 British off-season, is the retained rider for football agent Kia Joorabchain’s high-profile Amo Racing team.
“I’ve had a contract for the last year,” he explained. “That contract goes onto next year, and hopefully renews and it will be a long, successful partnership. There are a lot of nice young horses, young stock, coming through. It’s a very exciting team to be a part of.”
Amo Racing USA has a string of horses at Gulfstream with trainer Jorge Delgado. Egan has been named to ride Obliging in their silks in the $115,000 Wait A While on Thursday’s program. He has three mounts on Saturday’s card.
White Abarrio strolls home
Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic winner White Abarrio returned to action after a 168-day layoff with a dominant 10¼-length victory in allowance company at Gulfstream on Friday.
Irad Ortiz rode the five-year-old – sent off 1-5 against four rivals – who is back in the care of original trainer Saffie Joseph. “It’s a relief,” said Joseph. “That was an allowance race, but it was a Grade 1 for us and the whole connections. It was a very important race.” More here
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