DAVID Egan, the 21-year-old jockey from the Curragh in Co Kildare, rode Mishriff to win world’s most valuable race, the $20 million Saudi Cup, in Riyadh on Saturday.

Based in England, Egan is the son of John Egan and Sandra Hughes. The late Dessie Hughes was his grandfather and Richard Hughes is his uncle.

Mishriff is trained by John Gosden and owned by Saudi-based Prince Faisal, for whom Egan has a retainer.

The four-year-old colt, a son of Ballylinch Stud stallion Make Believe, made his stamina tell over the nine furlongs after the two US heavyweights, Charlatan and Knicks Go, had gone head to head in the early stages.

Egan was able to stay on their heels as the big pair turned for home.

Knicks Go dropped away, leaving Mishriff to gradually reduce Charlatan’s lead and get up in the closing stages. Great Scot finished third.

Gosden said from his Newmarket base: “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. It was great.”

Now proven on dirt as well as turf, having won the French Derby last year, Mishriff would appear to have all the world’s biggest races open to him.

But Gosden was keen not to be drawn on future plans, adding: “One race at a time.”

Egan said: “I can’t believe it. He’s an absolute champion. It’s unbelievable. I am delighted my dad John is here today. He taught me everything I know.”

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