Yorkshire’s Hanagan crowned champion jockey for second year running at Doncaster finale

They sprayed the Malton rider with Champagne, and poured a bucket of water over his silks, before he was held aloft in the Doncaster winner’s enclosure in recognition of his historic achievement. Fittingly, Silvestre de Sousa, the Thirsk rider who was just four adrift of Hanagan, was also lifted off his feet by high-spirited weighing rivals – the pair’s eight-month battle for supremacy was testament to Yorkshire racing’s strength in depth. Hanagan, who only turned to racing after he was told that he was too small to be a footballer, was joined on the winner’s podium by his young sons Sam and Josh as he received his trophy from Kevin Darley, the 2000 champion and one of just three northern riders in 110 years to win Flat racing’s ultimate endurance test. Every top rider in the country had indicated, back in March, that they would strive to be champion – but only de Sousa, a previously unheralded Brazilian rider, had the endurance, and horsemanship, to match the champion’s relentless work ethic and knack of avoiding costly suspensions. Hanagan says he does not have the strength, or desire, for another title pursuit, but few will bet against him recording a personal hat-trick when the 2012 campaign comes under starter’s orders next March.Picture: John Giles/PA.