Hanagan sets pace for York

ASK the general sports fan who is currently the leading jockey in Britain and chances are you would hear the names of Frankie Dettori or Kieren Fallon bandied about.

The more clued-up may suggest Ryan Moore, last year's leading rider, or perhaps former champion Jamie Spencer.

The truth is, you would probably have to turn to hardened fans of the "turf" to discover that it is, in fact, North Yorkshire-based Paul Hanagan, who is cutting out the early running for this year's top jockey crown.

Hanagan, 29, has largely crept under the radar as regards national media coverage this season.

But if he continues to head up the 2010 jockeys' title race that could all change and he has some very good chances of boosting his tally this week at York's curtain-raising Dante Festival, which starts tomorrow.

"I couldn't be happier with the start to the season but it is early days," says the hard-working Hanagan, who last Friday was heading to Chester for two rides before a further five at Ripon's evening card. "I just want to keep going and ride each day as it comes.

"I haven't set myself targets. I did it one year and promptly broke my collarbone twice, first at Pontefract and then at Newmarket and was out for the rest of the season."

So it is unsurprising that Hanagan has chosen to give targets a wide berth in more recent times. Doubtless, too, the Warrington-born jockey wishes he could do likewise with the stewards' room.

Too often for his own liking he has found himself serving bans that are a 'killer' when you are striving for momentum.

"I've struggled every season with suspensions," he admits. "It just stops you in your tracks."

Apart from those unwanted spells on the sidelines, not much else has managed to get in the way of Hanagan's progression up the riding ranks.

His achievements may have largely gone unheralded in the wider world but his ability is most certainly recognised in that most competitive of environments – the weighing-room.

That comes down to riding winners and increasing amounts of them. Last year saw him post a career-best annual tally of 119, the third time he had registered a century in six seasons.

A significant proportion of his recent success has come in tandem with Musley Bank-based trainer Richard Fahey.

Hanagan is the 'go-to' jockey for Fahey and that stems from a long-term working relationship that has grown into a solid, enduring friendship. Indeed, Hanagan is godfather to the trainer's daughter, Niamh.

Hanagan pinpoints the longevity of his association with Fahey as a key factor in the development of his career. It is hardly a unique set-up, but the greater tendency is for aspiring riders to move around from yard to yard as they seek to progress.

"I started with (Malton trainer) Malcolm Jefferson and was there for a year," recalls Hanagan. "Then I went to Richard when I was just turned 18 and I will be there when I turn 30 in September."

Twelve years is also about the length of time Hanagan has called upon the services of top booking agent Richard Hale.

Between Fahey and Hale, it is almost guaranteed that he will have a bunch of good rides at York over the coming three-day festival.

"I know I am going to go there with good chances," he says. "Richard's horses are in great form.

"It is a busy week, what with riding out in the mornings and so many runners, but I'm looking forward to it."

Last season, Hanagan won the award for being the top rider at the Knavesmire – an honour that came as something of a relief, given that Fahey had scooped a similar award for trainers in 2009 as well as the previous three campaigns.

"It was a big achievement for me and a weight off my shoulders," he laughs. "I was really pleased as York is a grade one track."

With all those winners at York, it comes as little surprise to find that Hanagan is a big fan of the famous racecourse.

"York is right up there – if not at the top," he says, and when asked to assess his favourite track he comments:

"It is great to ride there and the best horse always wins through at York.

"Very rarely are there any hard luck stories and it has got to be one of the best tracks in the country with the work they've put it on it."

The 2.5m trackworks project was completed in time for the start of the 2009 Dante Festival when Hanagan rode three winners, including Utmost Respect in the Group 2 Duke of York Blue Square Stakes.

A proud father of two boys, Hanagan smiles on recalling one occasion last season when he rode in the afternoon, then spent a restless night at the local hospital whilst his youngest was recovering from croup, before heading straight to the Knavesmire and recording a double success.

He finished last year with nine wins at York, including the final two races of last season, both horses being sent out by Fahey.

So do not be surprised to see him in the winner's enclosure at York around 1.45pm tomorrow completing a well spaced treble; if he misses out in that one then do not bet against him succeeding in any number of the following 20 contests.

Do not be surprised, either, should the name of Hanagan crop up more and more often in the same sentence as that of Dettori, Fallon or Moore.

Hanagan is down to ride Red Jade in the opening York City At Wembley With Blue Square Handicap.

It is one of three trained by Fahey in the 10-furlong heat but preference is for perceived third-string Sand Tiger, who gets a 3lb advantage courtesy of apprentice Barry McHugh.

A gelding operation seemed to do the trick for Sand Tiger as he proved a game head winner on what was his first turf start at Musselburgh. He is raised 4lb for that win.

Course and distance winner Changing The Guard is Fahey's other horse in the race.