RICHARD Kingscote described the ‘surreal’ feeling of taking his place alongside esteemed jockeys as a Derby winner.

The 35-year-old from Chilton, near Didcot, steered 5/2 favourite Desert Crown home in style as he claimed his first victory in a British Classic.

Kingscote produced a textbook ride at Epsom to provide Sir Michael Stoute with his sixth Derby triumph.

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The south Oxfordshire resident joins an elite band of riders to have partnered a Derby winner for the trainer, joining Walter Swinburn, Kieren Fallon and Ryan Moore.

And he thanked Stoute for showing the belief to give him the nod in the prestigious race.

Kingscote said: “I think it’s quite surreal because as a jockey maybe you don’t see yourself among jockeys like that and it’s only through the support of other people that you’re able to do it.

“I think it took a lot of guts from Sir Michael and the owner to stick with me in a Derby, so I’m very grateful to them for supporting me and letting me ride a very good horse.

“I’m not a champion jockey, I’m not Ryan Moore – I guess I’ve had a good career, but I’ve not had a starlet career.

“I think it takes a lot of support for them not to look elsewhere.

“In the last two years, being supported by the likes of Sir Michael, gives you confidence as a rider and I think it’s done me good.”

Kingscote becomes the second Oxfordshire jockey to triumph at one of racing's prestigious events in 2022.

Former Dragon School and St Edward’s School pupil Sam Waley-Cohen won the Grand National on Noble Yeats in his final ride before retiring.

Kingscote’s unforgettable weekend continued 24 hours later as he won the first two races on the card at Goodwood.

Fresh from Desert Crown’s superb Classic win, the rider partnered Tom Ward’s The Turpinator in the opening Goodwood Celebrates The Platinum Jubilee Handicap, starting at 4-1 for the eight-runner event.

The gelding was victorious by a neck, defeating Charlie Hills’ The Attorney after making his challenge a furlong from home.

Kingscote then took the ride on Harry and Roger Charlton’s Flag Flying, the 6/4 favourite for the British European Breeders Fund EBF Novice Stakes and another winner when prevailing by an easy four lengths.