Ready for battle as Hanagan moves on

THE Yorkshire Post will, once again, be backing the Cock o’ the North award – the ceremonial cap that is presented to the most successful Flat jockey rider from the region.

Winner for the past two seasons has been Paul Hanagan as he became only the second Northern-based jockey in a century to win the overall Flat championships, winning both titles on the final day of each season at Doncaster.

Backed by Racing For Change, with the Yorkshire Post once again providing updates throughout the season, the revival of the award coincided with Hanagan’s rise to dominance.

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However, this year’s Cock o’ the North competition is wide open – both Hanagan and his great rival Silvestre de Sousa have landed lucrative jobs with Sheikh Hamadan Al Maktoum and Godolphin respectively that will require them to ride more frequently in the South, and also across Europe at weekends.

Richard Fahey, who has built such a great alliance with Hanagan, expects many riders to benefit. “Earlier on in the year it will be easier for us to get Paul but as the season gets going it will get tougher,” said the Malton trainer.

“I’ve got no worries about my jockeys. Freddie Tylicki, Tony Hamilton, Barry McHugh, Lee Topliss, Shane B Kelly, Laura Barry and George Chaloner will all get more chances now Paul’s not around all the time.”

The biggest beneficiary could be Joe Fanning, the longstanding stable jockey to Middleham-based Mark Johnston.

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He missed a significant part of last season through injury, enabling de Sousa to prosper, but has been the leading rider on the all-weather circuit throughout the winter.

Thirsk-based Phil Makin is another Northern rider who continues to keep improving, despite his height putting him at a disadvantage when it comes to making low weights.

The unknown is Graham Lee – the former Grand National-winning jockey who made the switch to the Flat this week following a number of injury-blighted seasons over the jumps with West Witton-based Ferdy Murphy.

He has the backing of influential agent Richard Hale, the man who helped to mastermind Hanagan’s rise through the ranks and secure the rides that made him champion and Cock o’ the North.