Ryan and Coen hoping for dream result in Derby

Two childhood friends are set to do battle on the biggest stage, at the Curragh on Saturday, when Gavin Ryan and Ben Coen both line up in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

Ryan and Coen have been two of the rising stars in the weigh-room in recent years and have also been long-time competitors having grown up in neighbouring parishes in County Tipperary.

The pair played hurling against each other from a young age and also went to school together in Scoil Ruain in Killenaule.

Ryan, stable jockey for Donnacha O'Brien rides Fernando Vichi in the classic and the Australia colt comes into the race off the back of an impressive win in the Listed Nijinsky Stakes at Leopardstown.

Coen, number one rider for Johnny Murtagh this season, partners the progressive Earlswood, who landed the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh last month.

In conversation with journalist Dave Keena they revealed a long running friendship and rivalry:-

Gavin Ryan:- “We were in school together for five years. In small little towns like we live in in rural Tipperary you always know the lads who live in neighbouring towns so we've known each other a lot longer than that really.

“We played GAA for two neighbouring clubs so there was plenty of rivalry.

“His hurling now was very moderate! He had a wild swing on him and that was never going to be the path he took.”

Ben Coen:- “My football was a bit better than hurling but the two of them weren't great now.”

Coen admitted he hadn't really though about the clash with his friend on such a big stage:-

Coen“I haven't really given it much thought. I'm used to seeing Gavin every day at the racing and when we were in school.

“We're used to competing against each other. We were always doing it in football, pony racing and now we're doing it on the track. It's brilliant when you think about it.

“Saturday is just another mile-and-a-half race. I'm liking this rain that is coming as it might help my lad a bit, and I'm hoping it keeps coming.

“He's an easy horse to ride so I'll just keep it simple.”

Confidence is high after a high profile win on Create Belief in the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot and he added:-

“When you're riding winners you are always riding with more confidence and the gaps seem to open when you want them to. Once you get on a roll it's easy going.

“It's great to be going well and riding big winners at big meetings.”

Ryan hopes that his mount on Saturday can progress again having shown improved form over a mile-and-a-half last time at Leopardstown.

Ryan:- “It took a while for the penny to drop with him this year but we put blinkers on him for his last start and he impressively.

“We always thought he was a nice horse last year. He won his maiden well in Leopardstown and we always had in the back of our heads that he was going to be a Derby horse.

“It was good to get that under his belt the last day. He'll have the blinkers on again at the weekend and I think it just helps him focus that little bit better.

“He's a horse that seems to stay really well. He's very laid back and he's a very straight forward horse to ride.

“I'm very confident in his chances.”

He also has plenty of respect for his rival in the weigh-room and commented on his laid back manner:-

“He's good, he doesn't make many mistakes and he's not a bad lad to be following.

“One of his first winners was on a horse called Sleepy Head and I think that's the word you could best use to describe Ben as well.

“He's definitely a laid back character and sometimes it's hard to know if he's even happy about the whole thing at all!”

Coen:- “I've been told a few times I'm drole enough but that's just me. I've always been like that and I've never gotten too excited. I just take it as it comes.

“There is no point getting worked up over big races. You are trying to do the same thing as you are doing in a maiden, trying to win it.

“You just keep it simple, I think, and just give your horse the best chance of winning.

“I was riding him before I went to Ascot and he seems in great order. He's a solid colt and he's improving from run to run

“Hopefully he'll run a big race. It's a big step up in class but he's a good solid horse and he's there with a chance.”

Tactics often make the difference in top class events and both pilots revealed that they will do plenty of homework before the big event.

Ryan“On Thursday we'll have a quick look and see where we're drawn and see what else is declared. We'll have a little idea in our heads.

“We've racing Friday as well and that has to be first priority. Once we get that over we'll have a real good look at the race in depth.

“We'll have a look at the pace angles and have a fair plan in our head when we go to bed on Friday evening.”

Coen“It's the same for me and on Friday evening I'll probably do most of my homework, see where the pace is drawn and see what I want to follow.

“It's the same as any other race really, do your homework, have a plan A and if that doesn't work out take it as it comes.”

There are sure to be plenty tuned in on Saturday from both Ryan's hometown of Moygalass and Coen's parish of Killusty.

Ryan“In those small parishes everybody knows everybody and it will be a massive day for both our families.

“We're very lucky to be getting the opportunities off both Donnacha and Johnny. If you don't have the horse you can't compete in these races.

“It shows great loyalty from both of them to keep us on on the big occasion. This is the biggest race in the Irish calendar so we're both very grateful to get to keep the rides.

“It's going to be a big day.”