Theology ride for Hanagan in St Leger

The 30-year-old, who is on course to win an unlikely jockeys' title championship, has been booked to ride the Jeremy Noseda-trained Theology, a 25-1 outsider, in tomorrow's Classic.

Ironically, the ride on the Queen's Vase runner-up only became available because Richard Hughes, the main challenger to Hanagan, will be riding at Goodwood.

Hanagan is no stranger to Theology whose each-way odds are enticing. He rode the Highclere Thoroughbred-owned colt when sixth in the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, and will remain at the helm.

"Jeremy reports him in great shape, having worked really well this past week, and is confident that he will be spot-on for the big day," said a Highclere spokesman.

As for Hanagan, stable jockey at Richard Fahey's Malton yard, the 30-year-old will hope to replicate the victory that he enjoyed on 22-1 outsider Myplacelater at Doncaster on Wednesday. The horse was trained by David Elsworth, the man who guided the great chaser Desert Orchid to so much success. He has only used Hanagan five times in recent years, but told the Yorkshire Post that no one is riding better at present.

Meanwhile the drying ground at Doncaster has enabled Ed Dunlop to declare dual Oaks winner Snow Fairy in the big race. Her participation had been in some doubt and after 25 millimetres of rain on Monday evening prospects were not looking good. However, the Town Moor venue has since been dry. With champion jockey Ryan Moore, in the saddle for both of Snow Fairy's Oaks victories, claimed by Sir Michael Stoute to ride Total Command, Eddie Ahern comes in for the mount in this 10-runner field.