Former champion jockey Paul Hanagan fought back tears as he announced his shock retirement live on ITV Racing. The jockey, 42, said his final ride will be at York on Friday, on day three of its summer Ebor Festival.
Emotional Farewell
Hanagan, who was champion jockey in 2010 and 2011, said he had never felt the same after breaking his back in 2021. Clearly emotional and his voice trembling, Hanagan told ITV Racing's Ed Chamberlin: "I'm closing the curtains after nearly three decades. As you can imagine it's quite emotional.
"It's so difficult. I think any professional sportsperson will tell you how difficult the decisions is. There have been a few things involved in making the decision. I had a pretty bad fall two years ago and I have never quite been the same. I fractured my back in three places. And it's not so much the riding, it's getting back to the level of fitness I need. Not just that… when you have been at the top of the game, this was my first season as freelance and it was really quite difficult. I'm not upset I'm more delighted at the career I have had. Any person who thinks they're going through a tough time it can be done, you work hard if you really want it. I started with nothing only a lot of love and support, I'm very honored."
A Stellar Career
Hanagan, who was also champion apprentice in 2002, has been famed throughout his career for his working relationship with trainer Richard Fahey.
The jockey's last ever ride will be aboard Fahey's Wootton'Sun in the 1.50 York Sky Bet Handicap and is currently 13-2. Hanagan has 2,111 career winners to his name and has amassed almost £30 million in prize money. His 98 Group and Listed wins stand him out as one of the most successful jockeys of the Noughties.
International Success
Among his big winners for Fahey was 2018 Champions Sprint Stakes star Sands Of Mali, who also won the Gimcrack the year before. But Hanagan had success the world over, including on Muarrab in the Golden Sheehan in Dubai in 2016, with victory being worth £816,327. Wootton Bassett, Muhaarar, Tamarkuz, Adaay and Taghrooda were among some of the other big-name horses he won on.
