Keane kicks off Royal Ascot in style with Field of Gold

Field Of Gold lit up the first day of Royal Ascot with a dominant display in the St James’s Palace Stakes.

There was no doubt who emerged as the best of the three though, as Colin Keane breezed through on the 8-11 favourite before bursting clear to beat Henri Matisse by three and a half lengths, with Ruling Court back in third.

Keane said: “He’s a special horse and I’m lucky enough to join this team and to have a horse like him early on is amazing. I’ve had nothing compared to this and it’s very special.

“Without a doubt he’s the best I’ve ridden. The next best would be Siskin who was in the same colours, but this lad is a level above, he’s very special.

“I wasn’t nervous, but there was plenty of anticipation and it was a very good renewal of the race. It was three Guineas winners taking each other on, but he’s won like a very good horse.

“I couldn’t wish for a better start, but when you’re riding for this operation and this is the quality of horse you get, these are the opportunities you get and it’s very special but also a bit of relief.

Keane has five rides on day two of Royal Ascot and from a Meath perspective, the race to keep an eye on is the 5.35 Kensington Palace Stakes.

Keane will ride Arolla who is a 1/2 shot for connections. Gavin Cromwell will saddle up Snellen at odds of 16/1 and Jack Kearney will take the mount aboard Independent Expert who is currently priced up at 25/1.