Crystal Black's team is considering potential options for the Sky Bet Ebor, after his remarkable victory at Royal Ascot last week. The six-year-old, trained by Gerard Keane and ridden by his son Colin, secured a fourth consecutive win in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes on Friday.
The victory not only marked a triumph for the Keane family but also led to joyous celebrations in the winner's enclosure at Ascot. Gerard Keane is still trying to come back down to earth after the unforgettable win.
Reflecting on the victory, Keane said, "We had a good party in the lads’ hotel that night, and they came down here to the local pub last Sunday, and we had another good party, so we’ve had a good time of it! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime job, probably."
Despite the success at a mile and a half distance, Keane is not worried about a potential step up in trip for the prestigious Ebor race over a mile and three-quarters in late August.
He said, "We haven’t really (made any plans), he’ll probably get an entry in the Ebor. He’s gone up 8lb to a mark of 111, so he’ll probably get an entry in the Ebor, and we’ll see."
Keane also mentioned interest from Australia in the horse, which could shape their future decisions. Reflecting on the Ascot race, he said the ground was the biggest concern due to Crystal Black's size, but the horse performed well, and jockey Colin was pleased with the outcome.