Very special to be first jockey for Juddmonte, says Keane
By Andy Stephens
Last Updated: Fri 13 Jun 2025
Field of Gold and Colin Keane after winning the Irish 2,000 Guineas (Niall Carson/PA)
Colin Keane has been appointed as No 1 rider for Juddmonte Farms, it was revealed on Sunday night.
The six-time Irish champion has enjoyed several big-race triumphs in the famous pink, green and white silks in recent years, including aboard Field Of Gold in the Irish 2000 Guineas last month when he took over in the saddle from Kieran Shoemark.
He also guided Siskin to success in the same race for Juddmonte in 2020, plus was on board for Westover for his Irish Derby success in 2022.
Keane has been Juddmonte's go-to man in Ireland for some time, but the retainer means he will now have a wider role.
Racing fans in Britain and France can expect to be see much more of the 30-year-old, although he is expected to maintain ties with Ger Lyons, who he has forged such a successful association with.
Keane talks about the success of Field Of Gold for Juddmonte
Keane's appointment was revealed by The Irish Field after Kerri Lyons, daughter of Ger, circulated the news to the yard's owners this weekend.
Lyons described the retainer as a "fantastic opportunity" and that everybody at the stable was "incredibly proud".
With Keane’s contract starting immediately, he will be in line for a number of high-profile rides at Royal Ascot next week including Lead Artist in the Queen Anne, Field Of Gold in the St James’s Palace Stakes and Babouche in the Commonwealth Cup.
Juddmonte European trainers are Andrew Balding, Ralph Beckett, Harry Charlton, John and Thady Gosden, Ger Lyons, Dermot Weld, Henri-François Devin, André Fabre and Francis-Henri Graffard.
Juddmonte’s chief executive, Douglas Erskine Crum, said in a statement on Monday: “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.”
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.”
Colin Keane major wins
Irish 2000 Guineas: 2020 (Siskin), 2025 (Field Of Gold)
Irish Oaks: 2020 (Even So)
Irish Derby: 2022 (Westover)
International Success:
Breeders’ Cup Turf: 2020 (Tarnawa)
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint: 2024 (Magnum Force)
Other Group 1 Wins:
Premio Lydia Tesio: 2017 (Laganore)
Phoenix Stakes: 2019 (Siskin), 2024 (Babouche)
Matron Stakes: 2020 (Champers Elysees)
Tattersalls Gold Cup: 2021 (Helvic Dream), 2024 (White Birch)
Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud: 2021 (Broome)
Sun Chariot Stakes: 2024 (Tamfana)
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