Colin Keane 'hugely excited' to be Juddmonte's new number one with 'Baby Mick Kinane' set for star-studded book of Royal Ascot rides

Colin Keane has called his new job as Juddmonte's retained rider in Europe "hugely exciting", and his long-time boss Ger Lyons described the six-time champion jockey in Ireland as "more Mick Kinane than Frankie Dettori" as he takes on one of the biggest roles in Flat racing.

The 30-year-old was announced as Juddmonte's new number one on Monday morning and will fill a job that has been vacant since James Doyle had a brief stint back in 2014. 

An accomplished ride from Keane on Field Of Gold in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh last month has prompted Juddmonte to return to a retained rider, and a statement from chief executive Douglas Erskine Crum hailed the jockey "one of the most exciting and talented riders of his generation".

Reacting to the news, Keane told the Racing Post: "It's brilliant. To be asked to ride in those colours is amazing. I grew up watching those colours all through my childhood and to be wearing them now is just brilliant. The family has been steeped in racing for generations so it's an honour and a privilege for me to be riding for them.

"Tony Hind will look after my UK rides as he has worked closely with Juddmonte for many years now through Richard Hughes and Ryan Moore."

Colin Keane chats with John Gosden and Prince Saud Bin Khalid, son of the late Juddmonte founder Khalid bin AbdullahCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

He added: "Juddmonte have a lovely bunch of horses at the moment. They have had very few two-year-old runners yet, but Barry [Mahon, Juddmonte general manager for Europe] has always thought they were a really nice crop of juveniles this year and he knew we wouldn't see many of them out before now, so there is loads to look forward to with them as the season progresses. I'm really looking forward to getting on their backs and seeing them on the track over the coming weeks and months.

"The job is going to be different, there's going to be a lot more travelling, but it's hugely exciting. I'll still be in Ireland plenty, but I'll go wherever I'm needed. Ger has been my number one supporter from day one. I wouldn't be in the position I'm in or have got this job without him."

Lyons has given the ultimate seal of approval to the move and described Keane as a young Kinane. He said: "I'm delighted for Colin and it's a huge vote of confidence for him. 

Field Of Gold streaks clear of his Irish 2,000 Guineas rivals under Colin KeaneCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

"He's more Mick Kinane than Frankie Dettori. He lets his riding do the talking. It's not that he doesn't talk, he does talk and he'll tell you whatever you want to know, but he's not a showman. It's not about him, it's about the horse. It's about getting the job done. Pat Healy [well-known racing photographer] calls him 'Baby Mick' and that's probably the best way to describe him for people who don't know him."

The timing could not be better for Keane as he is set to come in for a star-studded book of rides at Royal Ascot, headlined by Field Of Gold in the St James's Palace Stakes on Tuesday, while other big names he will be on board include Lead Artist in the Queen Anne, Babouche in the Commonwealth Cup and possibly Kalpana in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. 

• The Juddmonte superstars Colin Keane is set to ride at Royal Ascot 

"I can't wait to ride Field Of Gold again," Keane said. "He was very good at the Curragh, he gave me such an exciting feel that day. I couldn't believe how straightforward he was. Hopefully he's like that at Ascot as he was a pleasure to ride at the Curragh."

Keane has been champion Flat jockey in Ireland in six of the last eight seasons and is no stranger to partnering big-race winners for Juddmonte. As well as Field Of Gold's dominant victory in last month's Irish 2,000 Guineas, he partnered Siskin to win the same race in 2020, while he stepped in for the operation to great effect to claim the Irish Derby on the Ralph Beckett-trained Westover in 2022.

Colin Keane and Siskin after winning the Irish 2,000 Guineas in 2020Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The contract is to ride Juddmonte's leading horses in England, Ireland and France. The statement from Erskine Crum read: "In the past we have had retained jockey relationships [including with Pat Eddery, Richard Hughes and James Doyle] but in recent years we have preferred to work with the many talented jockeys retained by our various trainers around the world. 

"We have decided that the time has now come to revert to the security and consistency which comes from having a single jockey retainer relationship. 

"We are delighted that Colin Keane has committed himself to Juddmonte. He's one of the most exciting and talented riders of his generation, he shares Juddmonte’s values, we know him well and we warmly welcome him to the Juddmonte team."

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