After a five-year run as retained rider to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, jockey Paul Hanagan has not had his contract renewed for 2017. Hanagan took up the role upon the retirement of Richard Hills in February 2012, and he had his last two rides for the owner at Wolverhampton on Friday evening.
Among the highlights of Hanagan's stint for Sheikh Hamdan were wins in the G1 Investec Oaks and G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. on Taghrooda (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Mukhadram (GB) (Shamardal) in the G1 Coral-Eclipse in 2014. He also rode Muhaarar (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) to three of his four Group 1 wins–and a champion sprinter title–last year.
“I would like to thank Sheikh Hamdan for giving me the opportunity to ride some very special horses, both in Europe and Dubai over the past five years,” said Hanagan. “Sheikh Hamdan is a true gentleman. It has been a privilege to ride for him, and I would like to wish him and the team at Shadwell every success in the future. I am disappointed that our partnership has come to an end, but I have to put these things into perspective particularly at this time when my close friend Freddy Tylicki has suffered life-changing injuries. I am sure that I speak for everyone when I say that we are all praying for him. Thankfully, I am still fit and healthy and am enjoying my riding as much as ever.”
Sheikh Hamdan's Racing Manager Angus Gold added, “We have enjoyed some great days together, highlighted by Taghrooda, Muhaarar and Mukhadram, and he has contributed enormously to their successful racing careers. On a personal level I would like to pay tribute to Paul's tremendous attitude and fantastic worth ethic. He has been a wonderful team player and a pleasure to work with, and I wish him every success in the future.”
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