A very busy Billy Egan now sets his sights on a bumper spring

YOU would think after a month where Billy Egan rode on 29 of the 31 days in May that he’d be keen for a break, but he’s determined not to lose momentum after his big month during which he rode 22 winners from 104 rides.

His “days off” were the Warrnambool jumps-only meeting on May 3 and Swan

Hill on May 11. He has ridden every day since — and he has bookings for today and tomorrow.

“It’s been a really good month. I can’t expect every month to be like this as you usually have your ups and downs. I’m certainly getting more opportunities and the credit for that goes to my manager, Mathew Alesci, who is working hard to get rides for me,” said Egan

Egan, at 30 a late bloomer, is planning on taking his form into the spring.

“I’m putting a lot more homework into my form and it’s showing. Also I’m getting on the right horses in the right races,” he said.

“I got a small taste of Flemington last spring where I rode every day and I really enjoyed. It’s something I’m working towards.”

Another sphere he’s got a taste for and striving for is Group One races.

He’s finished second at his last two rides at that level – Southern Moon in the Victoria Derby and Miss Leonidas in The Galaxy at Rosehill.

And Egan is confident he’s got the horse to take him to that level next spring in the Patrick Payne-trained threeyear-old filly Rubisaki.

Egan rode her to win the $1 million Inglis Sprint at Warwick Farm in February. He couldn’t ride her due to the COVID-19 restrictions at her next two wins in Sydney during the carnival.

She has won eight of her 10 starts and twice finished second.

Rubisaki may not be appearing at the Group 1 level as she’s being aimed at The Golden Eagle at Rosehill and possibly The Everest if she could snare a spot.

Payne has been a key player in Egan’s career as he has given him opportunities throughout his career.

“We understand each other and he has a lot of confidence in me … He also doesn’t put any pressure on. It’s enjoyable to ride for him.”

Egan is also starting to get more opportunities with other stables. On Saturday he rode for Mike Moroney, Anthony Freedman and Danny O’Brien.