David Egan hails 'perfect racehorse' Mishriff ahead of Saudi Cup defence

David Egan rides Mishriff to victory in the Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Getty

David Egan, riding Mishriff, wins the Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Getty

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the trophy presentation for the Saudi Cup in Riyadh. Reuters

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Saudi Cup in Riyadh on Saturday. Reuters

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Reuters

Mishriff won the $20 million Saudi Cup at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. Getty

Jockey David Egan celebrates after winning the Saudi Cup riding Mishriff. Reuters

William Buick riding Space Blues won the 1351 Turf Sprint. Getty

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor celebrates with a trophy after Gifts Of Gold ridden by Pat Cosgrave won the Red Sea Turf Handicap. Reuters

Pat Cosgrave rides Gifts Of Gold to victory in the Red Sea Turf Handicap at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Getty

David Egan says Mishriff has developed into “the perfect racehorse” ahead of his defence of the Saudi Cup.

John and Thady Gosden’s money-spinner will take his career earnings higher than any other horse in history should he win the newly anointed Group 1 in Riyadh on Saturday. Mishriff's current career earnings stands at £11.1 million ($15 million).

Egan described Mishriff as "fit and healthy and he’s got all guns blazing" ahead of the weekend meet.

“He’s a credit to Team Gosden and everyone at Clarehaven, mentally he must be so strong," Egan said. "He’s a credit to himself as well, to do it on any surface and any trip is quite astonishing really.

“It was a feather in his cap having run well in the [Saudi] Derby out here the year before last and now he’s run well here twice, whereas some will be coming out here for the first time and running on this sort of surface for the first time.

“He’s had a similar prep in the UK, he travels well and takes it all in his stride so I hope things go nice and smoothly into the race.”

Egan said Mishriff has come on leaps and bounds since last winning in the Kingdom, making him the perfect ride for the Saudi Cup.

“He’s a lot more professional in his races now. As a three-year-old he would jump slow and took an age to get going," Egan said. "He was just immature, but racing and developing with age has helped turn him into the perfect racehorse.

“Last year everyone had their eyes on Knicks Go and Charlatan, it’s more of an open race this year there’s half a dozen who could win.

“Mishriff has proved he’s the horse to beat with track experience and leads the way, I suppose.”