DAVID EGAN dedicated his sensational St Leger victory to tragic 13-year-old jockey Jack de Bromhead.
Jack, son of Grand National-winning trainer Henry, died in a pony racing accident in Ireland last weekend.
His funeral was held last Wednesday with the likes of Rachael Blackmore – who teamed up with Henry to win the National, Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle – in attendance.
Jack’s death plunged the racing world into mourning, before the sadness was compounded with the passing of The Queen on Thursday.
Egan, one of the world’s richest jockeys, paid tribute to both after winning the last Classic of the season at Doncaster.
After winning on 9-2 Eldar Eldarov and notching his first Classic, he said: “These Classics are fantastic. I’m obviously very sad for Her Majesty.
“It’s a week since Jack de Bromhead passed.
“He was the first person I thought about when I crossed the line. That was for him.”
There was late drama after the race.
Frankie Dettori thought he had secured second on massively exciting newcomer Haskoy at 9-2.
But an enquiry was held and the horse was relegated to fourth, with pre-race fav New London coming runner-up at 11-8.
Haskoy’s demotion meant Giavellotto was promoted to third at odds of 28-1.
With it, the horse won an additional £42,000 for connections.
But the day belonged to 23-year-old Egan, who added: “He’s such a tough horse.
“Early in the straight we had a bump and lost our momentum but he came straight back on the bridle and I always felt I was going to get there.
“I always thought he would relish a bit of ease in the ground and that’s exactly what he’s done.
“I was an apprentice with Roger at the age of 16 so to win a Classic for him is so special. These Classics are fantastic.”
