15 December 2023 , 12:39
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David Egan has been announced as the new retained jockey for Amo Racing, signing a two-year contract with Kia Joorabchian’s racing operation.
Rossa Ryan and most recently Kevin Stott have previously held the position for the ambitious racing team who enjoyed their first Royal Ascot and Group 1 victories in 2023.
The position has been vacant since Stott was dismissed by text shortly after the Irish Champion Stakes where star colt King Of Steel could only finish fourth to Auguste Rodin.
As a result Frankie Dettori linked up with King Of Steel in the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot in October, securing a thrilling swansong to his career on his final day riding in Britain.
“I’m very pleased to announce David as our first jockey,” said Joorabchian in a statement from Amo.
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“We have had a brilliant ongoing relationship over the years and used David consistently on our horses, going back to Mojo Star’s brilliant second in the Derby.
“We now feel it’s the perfect time to consolidate our team and having David on board will be a valuable addition.”
He went on: “David is a talented, ambitious jockey with experience at the top of the sport having won races of the highest calibre all over the world, and growing up as Roger Varian’s stable jockey has given him invaluable experience and maturity.
“Aware of the size of our organisation, we must implement systems to ensure longevity and I have tremendous confidence in this decision. Having David on board for the next two years will help us develop long-term stability as a team.
“I would also like to thank Roger Varian for his tremendous support, confidence and blessing in this decision.”
Kia Joorabchian addressing Kevin Stott (right) who he later sacked (Getty Images)Egan, 24, was crowned champion apprentice in 2017 and got his first taste of top-level success when riding as retained jockey to Prince Faisal, winning the Saudi Cup, Dubai Sheema Classic and Juddmonte International Stakes aboard Mishriff.
He has since claimed a first Classic aboard Varian’s Eldar Eldarov in the St Leger, with the combination also striking at the Curragh in the Irish equivalent in September.
Egan said: “I’m delighted to have signed a two-year contract with Amo Racing. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Roger and Hanako Varian, and all the Varian Stable team.
“They have been like family to me since I first started in racing, and I’d just like to thank them for their friendship and support over the last seven years.
“I am very excited about the new challenge ahead and I look forward to being part of the Amo Racing team.”
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