Appointment of six times Irish Champion Jockey, Colin Keane, as retained jockey

Juddmonte announces the appointment of Colin Keane as its retained stable jockey with immediate effect. Colin has six times been Irish Champion Flat jockey (2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024), has a long association with Juddmonte, and Juddmonte trainer Ger Lyons in Ireland and, most recently, rode Field of Gold to victory in the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas Gr.1.

The contract to ride Juddmonte’s leading horses in England, Ireland and France starts today. This means Colin will ride Juddmonte’s runners at Royal Ascot. These include likely Group 1 runners, Lead Artist in the Queen Anne Stakes, Field of Gold in the St James’s Palace Stakes and Babouche in the Commonwealth Cup.

On behalf of Juddmonte’s owners, the late Prince Khalid’s family, Douglas Erskine Crum, Juddmonte Chief Executive said:
“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 is 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”

Colin Keane said:
“I have grown up watching these famous colours carried to many victories in all the top races around the globe so it’s very special for me to be asked to ride as first jockey for Juddmonte. I’m excited to get started and look forward to working with some of the best trainers in Ireland, England, and France. 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”.