Paul Hanagan - Turf Topics: Back in the Broad Acres & chasing my fourth crown at York Racecourse

It's great to be home. That has been my over-riding feeling as the Flat season gets into full throttle.
Paul Hanagan, right, and trainer Richard FaheyPaul Hanagan, right, and trainer Richard Fahey
Paul Hanagan, right, and trainer Richard Fahey

After riding as No 1 to Sheikh Hamdan, I returned earlier this year to Richard Fahey’s yard.

I had a very successful time after moving south in 2012 – it was a great experience.

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But now I’m back in Yorkshire and delighted to be playing my part as the Musley Bank team seek a ninth crowning as top yard on the Knavesmire.

Paul Hanagan. Picture: Mark CranhamPaul Hanagan. Picture: Mark Cranham
Paul Hanagan. Picture: Mark Cranham

There is real anticipation about the months ahead from the Dante Festival through to the Ebor in August. There’s no better place to ride winners than York, it’s a great track.

Record prize-money of over £7.6m is on offer and we all can’t wait to get going.

It’s six years since I was last leading jockey at York and title number four is certainly a target.

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It’s early days in terms of running plans for next week when £1.2m is there to be won.

Paul Hanagan. Picture: Mark CranhamPaul Hanagan. Picture: Mark Cranham
Paul Hanagan. Picture: Mark Cranham

However, Maggies Angel is under serious consideration for the first Listed race for two year old fillies, the Langleys Solicitors EBF Marygate, next Friday.

She won on her debut at Ripon for me, coming on to York will be a step up for her but she made a great start.

On to more immediate matters, this afternoon I am riding at the Chester May Festival.

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The pick of my trio of rides would be Rene Mathis in the handicap at 1.50pm. He’s in good order at home after my victory on him at Thirsk last month. He’s a legend around Musley Bank and I won the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket on him a couple of years ago.

Owner Dr Marwan Koukash loves having winner on the Roodee, so fingers crossed for a big celebration.

It’s back over the Pennines to Ripon this evening for two rides. Imshivalla is an in-and-out horse, but if he’s having a going day he’ll have an opportunity in the 7.40pm. Trainer Ann Duffield’s Wild Acclaim wouldn’t be without a chance in the maiden at 8.45pm.

Tomorrow, it’s more M62 as I’m at Haydock for their mixed Flat and jumps card. The pick for me would be Godolphin’s Birchwood in the Listed Spring Trophy at 3.45pm. He’s another horse that has good and not so good days but he’s working well at home.

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After the weekend, all thoughts will turn to York. Wednesday is already gearing up to be a cracking day with the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes, a race that has signposted six subsequent winners of the the Investec Oaks. The opening day also features the speedsters in the richest ever running of the Group Two Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes.

The yard has a couple of entries for this £125,000 contest with Growl in those starred Koukash silks and Kimberella already a Knavesmire winner over the trip.

Thursday is Betfred Dante Day, a race that owners the Steel family would dearly love to win with Forest Ranger, with the Derby dream very much alive for the victor.

We can discuss the Group 2 Betway Yorkshire Cup in next week’s column.

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The first racing of 2017 at York is the Dante Festival between Wednesday 17 May and Friday 19 May. Find out more and book tickets at www.yorkracecourse.co.uk.

Two-time national champion jockey Paul Hanagan, who is riding out of Richard Fahey’s yard at Malton, rejoins The Yorkshire Post today as our weekly racing columnist to share his thoughts during the Flat season at York which starts with the Dante Festival next Wednesday.