The biggest news story in racing this week has been the the appointment of Colin Keane as retained rider for Juddmonte with immediate effect. I think this development is really going to add a new dimension to the 2025 flat season and I will attempt to explain why here.

Six times Irish champion jockey and still only 30 years of age, Keane will be first jockey for Juddmonte in Ireland, Britain and France. He will still be based with trainer Ger Lyons who, it has to be said, was the first to publicly identify Keane’s potential to reach the very top.