World’s richest horserace won by Irish jockey David Egan

IRISH jockey David Egan has won the world’s richest horse race, the $20 million Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.

The 21-year-old jockey on the 8 to 1 odds colt Mishriff trained by John Gosden came from behind in the final stretch of the nine furlongs dirt track, outrunning Bob Baffert’s American favourite Charlatan by a length.

“It is unbelievable, said David Egan of the ride he had on Mishriff owned by Prince Faisal. “I have been waiting all my life to ride a winner in a race like this. It is a privilege to be connected with such a class horse.”

Watching the race from his base in Newmarket UK, trainer John Gosden said: “It was a wonderful performance. He showed a lot of grit and courage and he was able to go the pace of the American horses. His owner-breeder Prince Faisal always wanted to come back for the Saudi Cup and the horse had a perfect year bar getting stuck in a bottomless bog at Ascot (in the Champion Stakes) which was really specialist ground. Otherwise he has a superb record.”

The young Irish jockey has been living in Newmarket, the home of British flat racing since he left school in Ireland.

Of the race results David Egan said: “Ever since (Mishriff) was second here last year I am sure it was on Mr (John) Gosden and Prince Faisal’s mind to come back here. With this race in Prince Faisal’s back garden it was a no-brainer. (Mishriff has) taken on some top-class horse from all round the world and he has proved how good a horse he is and how much he has matured mentally and physically.”

Tags: #Saudi Cup #King Abdulaziz Racecourse #Prince Faisal #David Egan #Mishriff #John Gosden #Newmarket

Image credits: Saudi Arabia Jockey Club