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 June 9 and will fill a job that has been vacant since James Doyle had a brief stint back in 2014.
An accomplished ride on Field Of Gold in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas (G1) at the Curragh last month has prompted Juddmonte to return to a retained rider, and a statement from chief executive Douglas Erskine Crum hailed Keane "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 colors is amazing. I grew up watching those colors 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 honor 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."
He added: "Juddmonte have a lovely bunch of horses at the moment. They have had very few 2-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.
"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 (G1) June 10, while other big names he will be on board include Lead Artist in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1), Babouche in the Commonwealth Cup (G1), and possibly Kalpana in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1).
