Ancient Egypt could be the one to realise Derby dream for Egan

With DNA like David Egan, the Betfred Derby has long been one of the most significant dates on the racing calendar.

The Epsom Classic may have eluded father John and uncle Richard in their own riding careers, but the grandson of the late, great Dessie Hughes can dare to dream, as Ancient Egypt prepares to face the undulations of the Surrey Downs and the might of Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle battalion.

It is a moment the 26-year-old, who was thrust into the spotlight from a young age due to his exploits aboard global superstar Mishriff, has been waiting for since signing on the dotted line to become number one for Amo Racing in late December 2023.

Egan said: “Coming from my background, I’ve understood the importance of races like the Derby from a young age and you are not just learning about it when you enter racing as a teenager. I’ve seen how tough it is to even have a runner in the race and to go close is even harder.

“Ancient Egypt is a horse who goes to the Derby with a real chance and he’s a real scopey individual and a beautiful looking horse. I know the Derby will be full of good-looking horses, but he won’t be out of place.

“Amo Racing want to be taking part in not just all the big festivals all around Europe but the main races at those festivals and the Derby is the main race in the UK calendar.

“I’m delighted to be going there with a chance and the horses are running really well at the moment. It’s a tremendous achievement to have a runner like this and we’ll be doing our best.”

Ancient Egypt commanded 1.1million guineas as a yearling and quickly set out on his way to justifying that lofty purchase price with novice victories at Beverley and Goodwood last term.

The strapping son of Frankel suffered a first bump in the road when well held in the Royal Lodge in the autumn, but avenged that Newmarket defeat in style on his return to the Rowley Mile on his reappearance, romping to a commanding two-length Listed victory in the Newmarket Stakes.

With the extra two furlongs at Epsom expected to suit the Charlie Johnston-trained colt, confidence was furthered by the manner he handled an early sight of the Derby course in the venue’s annual pre-Classic gallops morning.

Egan added: “Stamina will be on his side and he will stay really well. When we went to the gallops morning I thought he came down the hill well and for a big horse very balanced. He never put a foot wrong, skipped over the roads and changed leads when I needed him to and ticked every box.

“I’d always forgive one run and I’m glad his blip came before one very, very good run when winning the Newmarket Stakes which fills you up with confidence.

“He had been training really well through the spring and I did always think it would be over a mile and a half he would be seen at his best, so to see him do that over 10 furlongs at Newmarket on what was a speed-favouring track was encouraging and shows he is not a slow horse and has all the qualities needed for the Derby.”