Colin Keane keeps the ride on Irish Derby hero Westover in King George

Ralph Beckett has confirmed Colin Keane will keep the ride on King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes favourite Westover on Saturday.

Rob Hornby rode the horse to finish third in the Cazoo Derby after meeting trouble in running, but Keane then partnered the exciting son of Frankel to a seven-length victory in the Irish Derby and Ireland's champion jockey will again be on board at Ascot.

The three-year-old is a best-priced 5-4 for Britain's premier middle-distance Group 1 after his Epsom conqueror Desert Crown was ruled out of the race.

Speaking at Newbury on Saturday, Beckett said: "We've three jockeys we use regularly, Rossa Ryan, Rob Hornby and Hector Crouch, and everybody knows if an owner wants to use someone else that's the way it works.

All smiles: Colin Keane is able to take in the moment as Westover crosses the line seven lengths clear in the Dubai Duty Free Irish DerbyCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"That's the way it is, we don't have a stable jockey and there's really nothing more to add than that – all parties understand that."

Beckett does not think Keane will ride the horse again before Ascot and added: "We're only a week away and he's done all his serious work."

On Westover, he said: "I'm very happy with him and we're looking forward to it. It's a great shame the Derby winner isn't showing up – I think that's really unfortunate for the race. It's the midsummer highlight, I grew up on Shergar and Ela-Mana-Mou, it's important for the race the best horses show up."

A twist of fate means Emily Upjohn, who missed her flight to Ireland to contest Saturday's Juddmonte Irish Oaks won by Magical Lagoon, could now go to Ascot. Beckett added: "That certainly adds to it. I'm looking forward to it and I don't see the ground being an issue as Ascot will be putting plenty of water on."

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Ascot, July 23)

Paddy Power: 6-5 Westover, 9-4 Emily Upjohn, 4 Mishriff, 9 Torquator Tasso, 12 Broome, Pyledriver, 20 Alenquer, 25 bar

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