CHUFFED Colin Keane is buzzing to jump on Irish Derby contender Westover this Saturday.
The three-time Irish champion jockey will take over from Rob Hornby on the unlucky Epsom third and the pair are just 7-4 to win at the Curragh.
Keane has starred on Siskin for his boss Ger Lyons in the same famous Juddmonte silks
Owners Juddmonte wanted to book a rider with plenty of experience at the track, but Keane only learnt of the decision on Monday.
Keane, 27, said: “It’s not a bad spare to pick up, is it? I’m really looking forward to the weekend.
“I’ve obviously watched his Epsom run back and he was very unlucky more than once.
“I’ll probably not get to sit on him before now and the race. He’s done all of his main work and he looks a straightforward and uncomplicated horse anyway.
“We have lots of the Juddmonte horses in where I am at Ger Lyon’s so it was mentioned a little while back.
“But then I didn’t hear anything until Sunday and then I was told on Monday that I had the go ahead.
“It’s a big race and hopefully we can get the job done, I’m thankful to them for putting the faith in me.”
Keane, who has won the Irish Oaks and Irish 2000 Guineas, said he felt for Hornby and knows it’s not his ride for good.
He said: “It’s never the way you want to get on these horses, you feel for Rob. He did nothing wrong on the horse at Epsom.
“But I guess it’s part of the game, it’s one of those things. It might be the other way around next time, who knows.”
Westover has long been antepost favourite for the race, but after Aidan O’Brien supplemented Tuesday for the race his Oaks winner has taken over that mantle.
Keane is used to facing off against the might of Ballydoyle and Saturday will be no different.
Rob Hornby will ride at Windsor on Saturday instead of making the trip to Ireland
He said: “It was a bit of a curveball to see Tuesday added earlier! She’s an Oaks winner, a very good filly.
“It makes it a much more interesting race anyway. It can be a tactical race, we’ll see.”
