Paul Hanagan

Paul Hanagan is a twice-crowned British Champion Flat Jockey (2010 and 2011) and is widely regarded as one of the most hardworking and resilient professionals of his generation.

Hailing from Warrington, Hanagan’s rise to the top was a classic underdog story; he served a long apprenticeship with trainer Richard Fahey in North Yorkshire, eventually becoming the stable’s first-choice rider and a dominant force on the northern circuit before conquering the national stage.

His back-to-back championship titles were defined by an incredible work ethic, famously involving relentless travel to racecourses across the country to secure every possible winning mount.

The 2010 title race, in particular, is remembered as one of the most thrilling in modern history, as Hanagan narrowly defeated Richard Hughes on the final day of the season. Following this success, he was appointed as the retained first-choice rider for the late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Shadwell Estate Company in 2012, a role that saw him transition from a prolific “numbers” jockey to a premier big-race performer.

During his tenure with Shadwell, Hanagan reached the pinnacle of the sport by winning the Epsom Oaks and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes aboard the exceptionally talented filly Taghrooda in 2014. He also enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the star sprinter Muhaarar, riding him to four consecutive Group 1 victories in 2015