Elzaam Blue proving an 800gns snip for Philip Egan and Darren Bunyan

Another member of one of the most prominent racing families might be very quietly making a name for himself after the runaway success of Elzaam Blue, who bids to take his unbeaten record to three in Friday's DundalkStadium.com Handicap.

Philip Egan, the brother of weighing room starlet David, has become an important fixture in the Curragh yard of Darren Bunyan.

A couple of years ago at the Tattersalls Ascot Breeze-Up Sale, he secured the bright new hope for his boss for the princely sum of 800gns. It was the first horse that the 19-year-old had ever bought.

"When I picked him out at the sales he was just a very good looking horse and I just knew if I gave him the time he should do very well," explained Egan.

"I gelded him two weeks after I bought him and he gave me such a good feel from then, and all the way through. I do think there's a lot more to come."

After preparing the half-brother to recent Listed Jebel Ali Stakes winner Lost Eden at home, Elzaam Blue was ready to make a start for Bunyan, his boss for the last ten months, and won a mile maiden at Dundalk in February before following up in handicap company.

"He's a horse we rate very highly, he's a work in progress even still," said Bunyan. "The one thing that's missing with most horses is patience and time, and they've done the right thing with him.

"He won the first day, he was raw, but we knew there was a lot of improvement to come and they didn't miss him in the betting either. The last day was a hell of a performance for any horse running in a 0-85 with only one run under his belt. He was against good seasoned handicappers, who are hard to beat at the best of times."

Darren Bunyan believes his gelding has plenty more progress to comeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Bunyan, trainer of the likes of Group-winning international sprinter Hit The Bid, continued: "The plan at the moment is to run on Friday, then we'll freshen him up and there's a €150,000 handicap on Guineas weekend, that's his main target, and he's improved a tonne again from his second run.

"He's not Frankel, we know that, but he's a decent horse in his own right and if he doesn't end up being sold further down the line, like a lot of ours are, then he's definitely one for Dubai. We've been to a few carnivals now and we know he's one for there."

Elzaam Blue is quite a family story as he is owned by Siobhan Ni Cheallaigh, a friend of Egan's mother, the former trainer Sandra Hughes. Egan credits both his mother and brother as being a big source of help and support.

"I've known Philip a long time, the yard I used to train in was next door to his grandad Dessie [Hughes], so I'd know him from riding ponies up and down past the yard," Bunyan explained. "He's been a great addition to our team and a very important part of it.

"The horse came in in great condition, it was just a case of putting the final touches to him and bringing him forward. I must credit Philip for doing a fabulous job with him. He was a great pick and he was always telling me about him before I saw him.

"Sandra has been there to support Philip, and his grandmother was there the first night as well, so it was a nice occasion. I'm sure they will be there plenty more days too."

Egan, who graduated from the Race jockey academy, had stints with the likes of Sir Mark Prescott, Dermot Weld and Jane Chapple-Hyam before his present role, which should also allow him to expand his interest in bloodstock.

"Elzaam Blue means a lot to me," he said. "He gave me the best feel a horse has ever given me, and I rode quite a few nice horses.

"I love it here, I'd just like to keep doing what I'm doing, keep buying the odd one, give them time and bring them to Darren."

His loyal reply receives approval from the boss.

"I'm happy with that, if another one of these turns up," Bunyan said good-naturedly.

"He's definitely got his grandad's eye for buying a horse."

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