Former Champion Jockey Paul Hanagan is going back to his roots for the coming season and will relocate north to base himself nearby his former boss Richard Fahey. Hanagan was replaced as first jockey to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum by Jim Crowley late last year and his change in circumstances will see Hanagan renew links that helped him become champion for two years running in 2010 and 2011. “I'm really looking forward to relocating back up north,” said Hanagan. “As you can imagine it's quite stressful moving house and the kids moving schools, but we're getting there. I'm going to link up with Richard [Fahey] and the big thing is just to be part of the team, it's a very special team – happy staff, happy horses.” Reflecting on his time riding for Sheikh Hamdan Hanagan said, “There's no regrets, I rode my first Classic winner, a King George winner, rode the champion sprinter in Muhaarar, it was a successful time and I wouldn't change it for the world.”
Richard Fahey is also looking forward to renewing a more frequent alliance with Hanagan, the pair having enjoyed great success together including winning a G1 Darley July Cup with Mayson (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) in 2012. “Paul was keen to come home and I was never going to say no,” said Fahey. “Obviously, it's great to have him back – we have a great working relationship. He was twice champion jockey before he left, so I'm not sure you can say he'll be a better jockey now.”
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