Colin Keane Set for Hong Kong Jockeys' Championship Return

Colin Keane is already regarded as a standout talent in Irish flat racing, and next month, he will have the opportunity to showcase his remarkable skills to a broader international audience. Having recently earned the title of Irish Champion Flat Jockey for the sixth time, Keane is set to return to Hong Kong in December for the International Jockeys' Championship (IJC), where he aims to further enhance his reputation on the global racing scene.

Keane, who has previously raced in Hong Kong in 2018 and 2019, is well-acquainted with the Happy Valley circuit, where he has achieved significant success. His reputation continues to rise following a truly outstanding year, marked by his second Breeders' Cup win earlier this month. Partnering with Magnum Force, trained by Ger Lyons, Keane claimed victory in the Juvenile Turf Sprint at Del Mar, demonstrating his exceptional talent on the grandest stages of racing.

The victory at the Breeders' Cup was merely the latest highlight in a season filled with remarkable achievements. In May, Keane claimed Group One success while riding White Birch, trained by John Murphy, in the esteemed Tattersalls Gold Cup. He then added another notable win to his tally, this time piloting Lyons' Babouche to victory in the Phoenix Stakes. However, the pinnacle of Keane's year came at Royal Ascot, where he led Crystal Black to a heartfelt win in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes, a moment that held special significance as it was dedicated to his father, Gerry.

Keane's profile is undoubtedly on the rise, and with an increasing number of trainers seeking his talents beyond his regular stable, his return to Hong Kong presents yet another chance to demonstrate his remarkable abilities on an international level. "I’m thrilled to have been invited back for the International Jockeys' Challenge after competing in it twice before the pandemic," Keane remarked about the event on December 4. "The atmosphere at Happy Valley is distinct, with the track located right in the city center, and the overall experience is always extraordinary."

Looking back at his past performances in Hong Kong, Keane remembered a significant win in 2018 when he achieved his first victory in the IJC. He followed this with another success in 2019, and now, as his career continues to soar, he’s eager to conclude an extraordinary year on a triumphant note. “It would be the perfect conclusion to what has been an amazing season if I could win it this time,” Keane expressed. “I’m hoping for some favorable luck with the draw and the horses I get for the four races.”

Having secured the title of Irish Champion and achieved a series of significant victories, Keane’s selection for the Hong Kong event highlights his lasting talent and skill. As he gears up for his third appearance at the IJC, the 30-year-old jockey is set to further elevate his career, solidifying his status among the elite in the sport. This presents yet another opportunity for Colin Keane to leave his mark on the realm of flat racing.