The 49-year-old had been on standby to replace Kieren Fallon on the 2000 Guineas winner at Epsom on 9 June.

But when Fallon failed in his appeal on Tuesday against a three-day ban at a hearing of the Jockey Club's disciplinary committee, Eddery took over his ride.

Fallon's ban came after stewards at Ayr found him guilty of irresponsible riding of a minor nature on third-placed Distinctive Dream in the RS Design Handicap.

They banned him for 9, 10 and 11 June.

He will be able to ride at Epsom on Friday, and will be aboard the Queen's horse Flight of Fancy in the Vodafone Oaks, the fillies' Classic.

Earlier, Eddery had admitted his delight at the news of being in the frame for the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt Golan.

He had looked set to be on one of the outsiders before Fallon was brought before the stewards.

"I'm very excited to get the nod for a horse that is so outstanding," said Eddery.

"The Derby is the race, of course, and I've won it three times and twice been beaten by a short-head.

"So the chance of riding another likely winner of the Classic has obviously delighted me.

"To get the call to ride a horse like Golan is absolutely marvellous," he told the Daily Star.

He does, though, have sympathy for Fallon.

"The circumstances surrounding the ride are unfortunate with Kieren losing the mount through suspension and I'm naturally sorry that it's happened this way.

Experienced

"But I had no hesitation when I got the call. It's a great opportunity and I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Eddery is the most experienced Derby rider at Epsom this year, having had 28 mounts, beginning with a third on Pentland Firth in 1972.

He has won the race three times on Grundy (1975), Golden Fleece (1982) and Quest For Fame (1990) and has finished second and third four times each.

The only year he has missed out was in 1995.