Kinane unveiled as 2010 Racing Ambassador Horse Racing Ireland announced this morning that Mick Kinane is to replace Johnny Murtagh as 2010 Flat Ambassador. The recently retired jockey is instantly recognisable to racing fans the world over and will bring a wealth of experience to his new role. Kinane said: “I'm delighted to be working with HRI as their Flat Ambassador for 2010 and I’m looking forward to the new challenge of using Facebook and Twitter – I may be calling on my daughters for assistance! "I’ve had a wonderful career in racing and I would like to spread the word and focus on getting more people, especially families and youngsters, to come and enjoy a day at the races. "In tough times people still need to be entertained, and racing definitely has the power to give them the feel good factor. "It was great to see a huge crowd at the Curragh this last Bank Holiday Monday, up some 2,500 on the previous year’s attendance, and with the recent success of the Punchestown Festival and the launch of the Tote Go Racing Club, hopefully we are starting to see a return to growth in racecourse attendances again.” Michael Kinane profile: Born: June 22, 1959 Height: 5ft 4in Family: Married to Catherine with two daughters, Aisling and Sinead First winner: Musicari, Leopardstown, March 19, 1975 Champion Apprentice: 1978 Champion Jockey: 13 times up to 2003 Major Group One winners Irish Derby: Galileo, High Chaparral Irish Oaks: Alydaress, Dance Design Irish 2,000 Guineas: Dara Monarch, Flash Of Steel, Rock Of Gibraltar Irish 1,000 Guineas: Trusted Partner, Yesterday, Saoire Irish St Leger: Vintage Crop (twice), Kastoria, Alandi Irish Champion Stakes: Carroll House, Cezanne, Pilsudski, Giant’s Causeway, High Chaparral, Azamour, Sea The Stars Epsom Derby: Commander In Chief, Galileo, Sea The Stars Epsom Oaks: Shahtoush, Imagine 2,000 Guineas: Tirol, Entrepreneur, King Of Kings, Sea The Stars St Leger: Milan King George Stakes: Belmez, King’s Theatre, Montjeu, Galileo, Azamour Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Carroll House, Montjeu, Sea The Stars Belmont Stakes: Go And Go Breeders Cup winners: Johannesburg, High Chaparral (twice) Hong Kong Cup: Precision Japan Cup: Pilsudski Melbourne Cup: Vintage Crop
