KEANE RETAINS WESTOVER RIDE

COLIN KEANE will keep the ride on 6/5 favourite Westover in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot next Saturday.

Ireland’s three-time champion jockey replaced Rob Hornby on Juddmonte’s unlucky Cazoo Derby third for his romp in the Irish equivalent at The Curragh (right) 22 days ago.

Connections of the Ralph Becketttrained son of Frankel cited Keane’s experience at the home of the Irish Classics as the reason behind the move – but the partnership remains intact despite the fact the 27-year-old is still seeking a first success at Ascot.

“He won on him the last day, he rode two Classic winners for us and we have an arrangement that when his first retainer, Ger Lyons, doesn’t use him, we can have his services,” said Juddmonte general manager, Barry Mahon.

“Ger has kindly let him off to ride the horse, so he will stay on board.”