Flat out again as Hanagan stars at Lesters

In a mirror-image of the determination that saw him become the third Northern-based rider to become champion in the past 105 years, the Malton rider won the three main Flat categories at the industry awards that are named in honour of the incomparable Lester Piggott.

Hanagan, who is already leading this year’s title race after a lightning fast start to his championship defence, was crowned Flat jockey of the year.

He also won a special recognition award, while his winning performance on Opening Nite in the John Smith’s Handicap at Ayr last September earned ride of the year honours.

There was little time for the father-of-two to celebrate his achievements and the plaudits that he received from his rivals and friends – he will be one of the guests of honour at today’s Middleham Stables open day.

His appearance is typical of Hanagan’s unassuming response to his title success, which was only secured on the final day of the 2010 Flat season at Doncaster following an epic struggle with Richard Hughes, has not affected his humility.

Although he is clearly disappointed that his boss Richard Fahey’s stable star Wootton Bassett will miss the 2000 Guineas following a minor training setback, the signs are that Hanagan’s success last year was not a one-off.

He has already booted home 19 winners this season – seven more than his nearest pursuers who include the Brazil-born Silvestre de Sousa, who is based in Thirsk.

Hanagan is also eight clear of Ryan Moore, the former champion, whose achievement in winning both the Epsom Derby and Oaks on successive days last year was eclipsed at the Lesters by the Yorkshire rider’s tour de force.

This is becoming some rivalry; Hanagan’s determination in a minor race at Windsor last week in overhauling Moore’s mount in the final furlong signalled that he had rekindled his love affair with racing after being left physically, mentally and emotionally drained by his title campaign which yielded a career-best 191 victories.

“I felt I could never start as well as I did last year, but this is just as good, which is unbelievable,” said Hanagan earlier this week.

“Looking back, I wish I’d been able to enjoy it more. I was completely worn out and convinced I’d never want to attempt it again – for the sake of my wife and kids, as much as myself. But once you’ve had a break and recharged, you feel different. I’m still only 30, after all.”

Hanagan, his Yorkshire fans will be pleased to hear, also has no plans to move on from the Fahey stable that has been instrumental to his personal success.

“I won’t lie, the title didn’t bring me any offers to go elsewhere, though I had a few before then,” he disclosed.

“But I’d be very happy to stay with Richard until he retires. He’s expanding and getting better horses every year.”

The glittering awards ceremony took place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole in front of over 400 sporting stars, celebrities and guests.

Sixteen-times National Hunt champion AP McCoy added one more Lester to his haul after being chosen as jump jockey of the year.

The apprentice jockey of the year award went to Martin Lane, who won the John Smith’s Cup at York on Wigmore Hall, while the conditional title went to Rhys Flint, a Northern Racing College graduate.

Flint, 20, has formed an enduring partnership with the Wetherby specialist Fair Along – a two-time winner of the John Smith’s Hurdle.

After missing the Scottish National with a minor injury, next year’s Grand National is a possible target for Fair Along, who Flint used to ride every day on his family’s farm while growing up in South Wales.

Ruby Walsh was voted international jockey of the year, while Cathy Gannon took the prize for lady jockey of the year.

Yet it was Kevin Darley, the chief executive of the Professional Jockeys’ Association and last Northern rider to become Flat champion prior to Hanagan, who summed up the achievements of the Yorkshire rider.

“For jockeys, there is no greater recognition than that of one’s peers in the weighing room. Every Lester is hugely merited,” said Darley.

“Special mention must go to Paul Hanagan. He enjoyed a remarkable year in 2010, winning a tremendously exciting battle for the championship.

“He is popular in and out of the weighing room, and the esteem in which he is held by his colleagues is reflected in his three Lesters.”

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