Top young Brighton jockey Ryan Moore is celebrating his first Derby ride today on Sussex hope Unfurled.

He has landed the spare mount on the John Dunlop trained contender in the Epsom showpiece a week tomorrow.

Arundel maestro Dunlop turned to Moore after Richard Quinn rejected the chance to stick with Unfurled or stable companion Kong in favour of The Geezer, trained by David Elsworth.

Irishman Richard Hughes was booked earlier this week for Kong and Dunlop is now pinning his faith in Moore following discussions with Heather Slade, the wife of Unfurled's owner Mike Slade, a London-based property tycoon.

Dunlop, a two-time derby winner, predicted: "This is a young man with a future. He's riding extremely well with lots of confidence and I am sure he will give Unfurled a first class ride at Epsom."

Moore, 21-year-old son of Woodingdean trainer Gary, has been widely touted as a potential champion jockey. He has ridden more than 200 winners in the UK and Dubai since turning pro four years ago.

His selection by Dunlop is a huge compliment, as several senior jockeys such as past champion Kevin Darley and Richard Hills are still without rides.

Moore said: "It has come quite early in my career. John Dunlop is a complete gentleman and I am very thankful he has given me the opportunity. I could not be riding for a better person.

"I haven't thought about the race yet. It is still eight days away and I have a lot of rides between now and then.

"Epsom has the reputation for being a difficult track but I have ridden it about 100 times. The Derby is not like any other race but you cannot let the adrenaline affect you. You have got a job to do."

Unfurled, a best priced 33-1, won last week's Goodwood trial, the Predominate Stakes with Quinn on board.

Moore said: "I saw that race and he is just tough. It is a very open Derby and hopefully he will run very well and have an each-way chance. He deserves to be there."