Derby Day is upon us, and if you are wondering what it means to a jockey, let me tell you the Derby at Epsom is the one race everyone wants to win.

History and tradition set it apart. It’s the biggest in every sense of the word, and it is also the most difficult to win because of various factors.

The competitiveness of the race on a track that is demanding of both horse and rider combine to make it the most challenging of them all, and if you happen to win, that makes the sense of achievement all the more enjoyable.

I haven’t won the Derby....not yet. I have ridden in the race seven times.

I had my first Derby ride on Azmeel (10th) in 2010, and I have twice been second, on Libertarian (2013) and Jack Hobbs (2015).

I thought Jack Hobbs was going to win — very briefly — two furlongs out. He was going nicely, handling everything well.

Then Golden Horn arrived on the scene and the race was over. Libertarian grabbed second on the line behind Ruler Of The World.

Many ask just how difficult it is to ride the Derby course? Putting it a different way, your job is made a lot easier if your horse handles the track — if he is well-balanced and can travel, while also being relaxed.

That is what you need if you are going to win one of the Classics at Epsom...and you also need to stay.

I don’t think there have been many Derby winners, who didn’t handle the track.

It is an essential attribute. Riding the Derby course, the most telling points are five and a half furlongs out, when the pace lifts running downhill, and famous Tattenham Corner, just before entering the home straight, where there is an adverse camber to contend with.

Masar, my mount this year, should be suited. He’s very well balanced and he has had a lot of experience.

I thought he ran a great race in the Guineas, and the step up in trip will suit him.

It’s no easy task, again taking on the Guineas winner (Saxon Warrior), but Masar ticks a lot of boxes and will proudly carry the Godolphin colours.