WILLIE RYAN has been handed the plum ride on Benny The Dip in Saturday's Derby. John Gosden chose the 32-year-old to partner the third favourite after a long search for a big-race rider, which stretched as far as the US.
"We discussed all the options regarding jockeys with the owner, Landon Knight, last night and Willie Ryan was his choice," the trainer said.
"It's not an easy race in which to bring over an American and expect him to fly round. Knowledge of Epsom is everything."
Gosden could not call on Frankie Dettori, who rode Benny The Dip to finish second in the Thresher Classic Trial at Sandown in April, as the Italian has been claimed by Godolphin for the mount on Bold Demand at Epsom.
And Olivier Peslier, on board for the colt's Dante Stakes triumph at York last month, is unavailable as he will be on French challenger Cloudings.
The news is a welcome change of fortune for Ryan, who is attached to Henry Cecil's stable but is frequently overlooked in big races.
He was not chosen for any of the yard's three runners in last month's Pertemps 1,000 Guineas, instead finishing second on outsider Oh Nellie for Neville Callaghan.
Ryan has had three previous rides in the Derby, his best effort being a fourth place on Faraway Dancer in 1986.
On his last ride in the race three years ago he was unseated from Foyer at halfway after his mount was hampered.
Grapesbot looks set to miss the Derby after developing a minor physical problem.
Luca Cumani said yesterday: "Grapeshot has suffered a slight setback and is now an unlikely runner in the Derby."
The trainer had only announced the colt an intended starter at Epsom on Monday.
He had delayed committing him to the race as he was convinced that "nothing can beat Entrepreneur" in the Classic.
Grapeshot entered the Derby picture with victory in the Pre-dominate Stakes, the last major Epsom trial, at Goodwood last month.
He was due to be ridden by Jason Weaver in the big race, for which he was quoted at 20 to 1 by William Hill this morning.
Ladbrokes responded to the news of 16 to 1 shot Grapeshot's likely absence by cutting the price of Cloudings (10 to 1 from 12 to 1) and Fahris (12 to 1 from 14 to 1).
