Glorious Goodwood: Pilaster toughs it out to land Group 2 Lillie Langtry as David Egan gets first win as professional jockey

PILASTER was a brave winner of the Group 2 Lillie Langtry as she fought off runner-up Maid Up in the shadows of the post.

The win marked a big moment in the career of young jockey David Egan who turned professional only this week.

PA:Press Association

Egan resisted the chance of defending his Champion Apprentice crown to focus on his career in the long-term and was immediately rewarded with his boss Roger Varian providing him with the winner.

Pilaster was dramatically up in class but proved the best as she and Maid Up pulled clear during their tit-for-tat battle.

It went to the judge but Pilaster backed up her impressive Kempton win to scoop the Group 2.

Star Rock was perhaps an unlucky loser in third and will surely have her day at this level before the summer is up as the Goodwood traffic got the better of her.

Flattering and the well-backed God Given set a quick pace early on but both fell away before the race really got going.

David Egan and Rob Hornby both timed their run from the pack well on the winner and the second as Star Rock suffered in behind.

The result then went to a Stewards’ Enquiry but was never in doubt and Pilaster deservedly kept the race for 19-year-old Egan.

Varian holds the jockey in high regard and said afterwards: “David Egan is an old head on young shoulders, he gave her a beautiful ride.”

The Fillies and Mares race on Champion’s Day at Ascot was marked out as a potential long-term target for the improving filly.