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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Melissa Jones

David Egan dedicates St Leger win to teenage jockey Jack de Bromhead who died aged 13

David Egan dedicated his first career Classic success to tragic teenage jockey Jack de Bromhead.

The up and coming rider, son of Grand National-winning trainer Henry, died in a pony racing accident last weekend.

As he reached a notable career milestone aboard Eldar Eldarov in the Doncaster feature, Egan gave a touching tribute to the 13-year-old and the Queen. Professionals and racegoers paid their respects to the British monarch, who died on Thursday, during the event at Town Moor.

"These Classics are fantastic I'm obviously very sad for Her Majesty," Egan said. "It's a week today since Jack de Bromhead passed. He was the first person I thought about when I crossed the line. That was for him."

A post-race stewards' enquiry saw Frankie Dettori's runner-up Haskoy demoted to fourth for causing significant interference to Neil Callan on Giavellotto.

In the dramatic outcome, that rival, a 28-1 shot, went up a place to third and the 11-8 favourite New London became the new runner-up. Egan supplied trainer Roger Varian with his second triumph in the race, eight years after Kingston Hill placed first in the 2014 renewal.

"I always thought he would relish a bit of ease in the ground and that’s exactly what he’s done," Egan said.

"I was an apprentice with Roger at the age of 16 so to win a Classic for him is so special."

Eldar Eldarov ridden by Davin Egan (third left) on their way to winning the Cazoo St Leger at Doncaster Racecourse (PA)

Eldar Eldarov, who took the Queens Vase at Royal Ascot in the summer, was right back to his best after a disappointing effort in France. The race favourite, New London, held every chance under Will Buick with two furlongs to run, when Dettori and Haskoy were in the lead.

But the pair were outstayed by Eldar Eldarov (9-2), who swept by the pair to cheers from the crowd.

Egan, who split with owner Prince Faisal in the summer, celebrated as his mount crossed the line two lengths ahead.

Varian said: "We got a little bit tight on the outside with George Boughey's horse coming to challenge but David said he got a bump and came back on the bridle. He had winning momentum.

"I'm sure he'll get better and stronger as he gets older but I think we have to recognise him for what he is and that he's a stayer. I think he's an exciting horse for the future over staying distances.

"David is one of the nicest guys you'd wish to meet. He takes defeat in good grace and is sensible in his victories."

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