Colin Keane Takes Fifth Irish Champion Jockey Title

Colin Keane retains the title of Irish Champion Jockey, his fourth in succession and fifth overall, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Thursday.

Joining Keane on the podium will be Aidan O'Brien and Sue Magnier, who also retain their titles of trainer and owner, respectively, while Jamie Powell is favoured to earn the Irish Champion Apprentice title.

Keane earned his championship by riding to an unassailable lead in late August. He celebrated group wins aboard Zarinsk (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) on three occasions. In addition, he also rode Group 3 winners for Aidan O'Brien, Michael O'Callaghan, Willie Mullins, Henry de Bromhead and Noel Meade. Keane is followed by Billy Lee, who was runner-up last year, and former two-time champion apprentice Dylan Browne McMonagle was third.

Powell's best win was in the Dubai Duty Free Summer Fillies H. at the Curragh on Aussie Girl (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) for Fozzie Stack. Powell also captured the valuable Irish Stallion Farms EBF 'Habitat' H. on James McAuley's Tawaazon (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). He also struck up a rewarding partnership with the Mick Mulvany-trained Fratas (Ire) (Fracas {Ire}), winning races at the Galway festival, Leopardstown and Tramore. Third to Browne McMonagle in 2022, he currently holds a four-race lead for his title with 28 winners throughout the season which wraps at the Curragh on Sunday.

Aidan O'Brien earned his 26th Irish Champion Trainer crown. He saddled Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) to victories in the G1 Irish Derby and G1 Irish Champion S.; Paddington (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) to a score in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas; Savethelastdance (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) won the G1 Irish Oaks; Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) took the G1 Gold Cup; and finally Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) landed the G1 National S.

Magnier defeated fellow Coolmore partners Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Georg von Opel's Westerberg Ireland for her Irish Champion Owner crown.

Suzanne Eade, CEO of HRI, said, “Our horses campaigning competitively on the international stage reflects so well on our racing and breeding industry and on Ireland itself. In the coming days, the Breeders' Cup and Melbourne Cup present the opportunity for Irish-trained horses to shine once again and as we count down to those meetings, I congratulate our 2023 champions and thank everyone who contributed to another wonderful season.”