David Egan

David Egan (born 19 June 1999) is an Irish jockey who is based in Britain and competes in flat racing. He was British champion apprentice in 2017. From 2019 to 2022 he was retained by owner Prince Faisal, for whom he won the 2021 Saudi Cup on Mishriff. Since July 2022 he has ridden freelance, and achieved two Classic victories on the Roger Varian trained Eldar Eldarov.

Background

Egan was born in Kildare, Ireland. He comes from a racing background. His father John is a jockey, his mother Sandra Hughes trained the 2015 Irish Grand National winner Thunder And Roses, his grandfather is Irish trainer Dessie Hughes and his uncle is British champion jockey, Richard Hughes. His sister Alexandra Egan also became a jockey, having her first ride as an apprentice in July 2024. Egan rode out for his grandfather from the age of 13 and took part in pony racing. He also rode out for flat trainer Willie McCreery. Egan secured his first victory in a Group race on 2 August 2018, the day after he turned professional, when the Varian-trained Pilaster won the Group 2 Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood. In June 2019 he had his first victory at Royal Ascot, when the Varian-trained Daahyeh won the Albany Stakes.

Having signed a retainer with owner Prince Faisal, Egan rode the John Gosden-trained Mishriff to his maiden victory at Nottingham in November 2019. On 2 July 2022 Mishriff was narrowly beaten into second place by Vadeni in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park. It was to be Egan's last ride on Mishriff, as later that month his association with Prince Faisal came to an end.

Egan had his second Royal Ascot winner in 2022, when the Varian-trained Eldar Eldarov won the Queen's Vase. Eldar Eldarov then provided Egan with his first British classic success, winning the St Leger Stakes at Doncaster on 11 September 2022. In September 2023 Egan rode his first winner in Ireland when Eldar Eldarov beat favourite Kyprios to win the Irish St. Leger at the Curragh. The partnership made a successful start to the turf season when Egan won the Lincoln Handicap on 33/1 outsider Mr Professor on 23 March 2024.

During the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Egan won three Group races on Arizona Blaze, owned by Amo and trained by Adrian Murray. In May 2024, they took the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes for two-year-olds at the Curragh. The following season, they won the Group 3 Prix Sigy at Chantilly before being narrowly beaten into second place in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. In July 2025, they won the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh.

Major wins

United Kingdom International Stakes - (1) - Mishriff (2021) St Leger Stakes - (1) - Eldar Eldarov (2022)

Ireland Flying Five Stakes - (1) - Arizona Blaze (2025) Irish St. Leger - (1) - Eldar Eldarov (2023) Phoenix Stakes - (1) - Power Blue (2025)

UAE Dubai Sheema Classic - (1) - Mishriff (2021)