Juddmonte confirm Colin Keane to take retained rider role

Juddmonte has announced the appointment of six-time Irish champion jockey Colin Keane as its retained rider with immediate effect.

Keane has ridden several big-race winners for the leading owner-breeders, most recently steering John and Thady Gosden’s Field Of Gold to Classic success in the Irish 2,000 Guineas after taking over in the saddle from Kieran Shoemark.

With Keane’s contract starting immediately, he is set to partner Juddmonte horses trained in Britain, Ireland and France, meaning 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’s chief executive, Douglas Erskine Crum, said in a statement: “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.”