Race hotting up to win jockey title

Even though Richard Fahey's stable jockey played down his flying start to the season – seven winners in two days at Doncaster in late March – Moore, the defending champion, only drew level when he gave Workforce an inspired ride to win the Investec Derby.

Ironically, one of the jockeys cheering the loudest in the Epsom weighing room was Hanagan who is a big admirer of the three-times champion jockey – and says Moore's work ethic has helped to make him a better jockey.

"I'm a massive fan of Ryan," Hanagan, 29, told the Yorkshire Post. "He's a fine person – he lets his riding do the talking – and there's nothing wrong with that.

"He's a true professional and a lot of people, like me, learn from him. He gets the best out of horses; they run for him. And he's rarely banned for whip offences.

"I've never seen so many people cheering for Ryan in the Derby – everyone was made up for him."

By his own admission, Hanagan does not expect to be able to keep pace with Sir Michael Stoute's retained jockey during the major summer meetings, even though he pulled two clear again of the champion after the Derby meeting.

Even though he heads to Royal Ascot next week with his best book of rides yet, following his first ever success at the meeting 12 months ago aboard 66-1 outsider Cosmic Sun, Hanagan wants to focus on riding 100 winners for the second successive season. That, he says, will constitute success.

His cause could be helped by Falasteen – his mount in today's Reg Griffin Memorial Trophy at York where Hanagan and Fahey are, again, proving to be a formidable, and profitable, combination for punters who support locally-trained horses.

While Falasteen has each-way credentials, the tone of the jockey's voice suggests that he will be disappointed if Sir Reginald does not win the Leonard Sainer EBF Maiden Stakes.

"I'm absolutely made up – it's my best start ever," said Hanagan, who had a big price double at York yesterday.

"I always thought it was a bit of a freak that I had so many winners at Doncaster at the start of the season, but I've since had another four-timer at Musselburgh.

"The key is riding for Richard – and the form that his horses are in. We're getting better quality horses each year and the results speak for themselves, but I do feel my riding is improving as well.

"It's going to be tough at Royal Ascot – Ryan has so many good rides – but I go there full of confidence for the first time. As confident as I can be."

Hanagan cites Marine Commando, a winner on his debut at Carlisle, as his best chance – the two-year-old is expected to line up in Tuesday's Windsor Castle Stakes.

With typical modesty, he also plays down any title talk. "I just think there's a long way to go," says Hanagan, who will also be in action at Doncaster tomorrow.

He says he would be amazed if Moore did not win the title – but Hangan is content to have ridden more winners than households names such as Frankie Dettori, Kieren Fallon and Jamie Spencer.

Yet Kevin Darley, the last Yorkshire-based rider to win become the champion jockey, says Hanagan should not downplay his title chances – or horsemanship.

Darley, now chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, triumphed 10 years ago – largely thanks to his successful association with Middleham trainer Mark Johhnston.

"It will be difficult, even though Paul has an excellent stable behind him," said Darley. "When the silly season finishes, and you're back to one meeting a day in September, it can be difficult for Northern jockeys.

"A lot of the Southern-based trakcs have a lot of maiden races for two-year-olds and Ryan's trainers will have a lot of ammunition.

"Yet, if Paul is in there with a chance, he will get a lot of support because he has becomer such an accomplished rider.

"Of course, Paul will say that he is not thinking about it – but it will be at the back of his mind.

"He's a talented little rider and it is fantastic, for both Yorkshire and racing in general, that he is having so much success."