Keane eager for flying Ascot start in new Juddmonte role

The six-time Irish champion jockey was named retained rider to the leading owners earlier in the week and can look forward to a stellar book of mounts as he dives straight in at the deep end for his new employers at one of the year’s most important meetings.

Keane is embracing the challenge as he pays thanks to the role long-time ally Ger Lyons – one of the men who gave Keane his ‘baby Mick’ moniker – has played in his rise to becoming the weighing room’s most wanted man.

“If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be on the stage I’ve got to. I was with him from when I was an apprentice, I went straight there from my father’s and he has backed me 100 per cent,” said Keane.

“Ger has never hidden that and I’m very fortunate. I wouldn’t be where I am without him. It was a pretty straightforward decision (to take the Juddmonte job) and once I had a chat with Ger and he was happy enough, we were all happy.

“I think Pat (Healy, racing photographer) and Ger came up with ‘baby Mick’ and it’s not a bad nickname to have. But we try to keep it as relaxed as possible and get the job done.

“Royal Ascot is the pinnacle of our sport. It’s the place where everyone wants to go – owners, trainers and jockeys – and so I’m very fortunate to have some nice rides to look forward to next week.”

Keane is the first jockey since James Doyle to be committed to Juddmonte, joining the likes of Pat Eddery and Richard Hughes amongst those who have donned the famous pink, white and green silks on a regular basis for the Abdullah family’s operation.

It is not just decorated names in the saddle that are inextricably linked with Juddmonte but also some of the finest racehorses of all time, with the 30-year-old well aware of the history of his new role.

Keane added: “It was a ‘pinch yourself’ moment when the call came and I had to double check that it was actually Barry Mahon (Juddmonte’s European racing manager) on the other end of the phone!

“When you get opportunities like this, you have to take them and we could be talking here for a while now about the horses that have come and gone in these colours. Hopefully there will be more to come.

“I’ll be coming over whenever I am told and finding things out. I’ll be talking to Barry Mahon and he’ll be telling me where I need to go. I’ll go over and back from Ireland and maybe having the odd day in France. I’ll be kept busy, that’s for sure.”

First up for Keane will be his Ascot baptism of fire where his new associations will be put to the test on the grandest stage of racing.

However, the Irishman is content to ride the waves of his brief honeymoon period ahead of a week in the spotlight in Berkshire, where Field Of Gold could prove the ace in his swelling pack as he looks to add to his two previous triumphs at the Royal meeting.

“I won’t be able to tell you what the pressure is like until next week and we’ll take it as it comes,” Keane added.

“I’ve a nice book of rides and the hardest problem is often getting on these horses, so it’s a nice problem to have. You just have to take your chances.

“You are riding these horses for brilliant trainers and they will guide you the best way possible and you will have done your homework for sure. You’re more looking forward to it than anything.”