Colin Keane returns to Hong Kong this December for the prestigious LONGINES International Jockeys' Championship (IJC), aiming to end a remarkable year on a high.
Following a stellar season in Ireland, Keane will return to Happy Valley in two weeks' time as a familiar name at the IJC. Keane's two previous appearances at the event have seen him find the winners' enclosure on a couple of occasions and finish overall runner-up behind Silvestre de Sousa on his debut in 2018.
The 30-year-old Irishman has since into one of Europe's most in-demand jockeys, with his accomplishments on home soil continuing to bolster an already impressive CV. In 2021, Keane partnered 141 horses to victory, breaking the record for most winners in a season in Ireland – a remarkable achievement in a racing jurisdiction with fewer opportunities compared to the likes of Great Britain and France.
After yet another stellar season in the saddle, Keane was crowned Irish Champion Jockey for a sixth time. On his way to landing the title, he steered White Birch to Group 1 glory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh before returning to the same venue to land Group 1 Phoenix Stakes for trainer Ger Lyons and owners Juddmonte. The County Meath man's success was not constrained to one side of the Atlantic, as he once again teamed up with boss Ger Lyons when expertly guiding the exciting juvenile Magnum Force to strike in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Del Mar.
In an interview given to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, an excited Keane said: "I'm delighted to get the invitation to go back again for the international jockeys' challenge after riding in it twice before Covid."
"It was a very unique experience with the racetrack in the middle of the city and a great atmosphere and occasion. I rode a winner on my first ride there in the first challenge race in 2018 and was lucky enough to win another leg in 2019."
"It would cap what has been a brilliant year if I could win it this time - I will be hoping I get the luck of the draw with the horses I get in the four races."
Keane concluded: "It's a privilege to get the invite again to round off such a great year, being champion in Ireland again and riding the big winners for the boss (Lyons), including another Breeders' Cup success this month."
