Egan enjoys Ascot payday
John Egan, who came close to having his licence taken away early this month, enjoyed a massive payday by winning the £150,000 Tote International Stakes on 14-1 shot Crystal Castle at Ascot.
The Irishman gained a notable victory four weeks ago when a Jockey Club disciplinary committee allowed him to continue riding despite a request from the authorities in Hong Kong to suspend him due to allegations he received gifts in return for information.
And he took full advantage by teaming up with French-based Englishman John Hammond for a cosmopolitan victory in one of Europe’s richest handicaps.
The jockey’s decision to go left on emerging from stall 13 in a field of 28 proved vital as runners on the stands’ side led throughout the seven-furlong contest.
Egan put his mount’s head in front at the distance and held enough in reserve to hold off 8-1 chance Ghannam by half a length, with outsiders Royal Millennium (40-1) and Mister Cosmi (50-1) filling the frame.
Demonstrate was first home on the far side in seventh place, with heavily-backed 7-1 favourite Just James only 14th on the same part of the track.
Egan was always confident he was on the right side.
"I was committed to going left and I discussed it with Mr Hammond and he didn’t change my mind," the jockey said.
"I thought it was the obvious choice and I was surprised so many went to the other side."
Egan made light of the difficulties which brought his spell in Hong Kong to a premature end, saying: "I had no problems in Hong Kong - I rode a lot of winners and a had a good time."
Hammond, whose other runner By Far came sixth, admitted to having had fears that today’s trip would be too far for his Wokingham Stakes fourth.
"He is built like a sprinter and I was worried he would not stay seven furlongs but I was wrong," he said.
"From halfway the stands’ side group were six lengths clear and the decision to come that side was the right one.
"Crystal Castle was a Group winner as a two-year-old then he chipped a knee so effectively lost his three-year-old year. He will get a bit of a hike in the weights now and I would think his future is back in Group races."
Runner-up Ghannam could take his chance in Friday’s William Hill Mile at Goodwood, though trainer Marcus Tregoning warned: "It is a hot day and this might have taken a bit out of him - we will have to se how he is."
