25 August 2023 , 14:29
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Two-time champion jockey Paul Hanagan was given a guard of honour as he went out for the final ride of his career on Friday.
Hanagan, 42, announced on Wednesday that he was quitting the saddle for good after 25 years in the saddle. The Warrington-born jockey rode more than 2,000 winners, finishing champion jockey in 2010 and 2011.
He went on to become first jockey to the late Hamdan Al Maktoum for whom he won the 2014 Oaks and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2014 as well as enjoying numerous other big race successes.
His final mount was Wootton’Sun, trained by former boss Richard Fahey for whom he rode Wootton Bassett to Group 1 success.
Wootton’Sun, who went off a 5-1 chance, only beat two others as he finished 12th in the opening Sky Bet Handicap.
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“Oh wow, it’s very surreal. I’m still in shock with the ovation I got off the crowd round the paddock," Hanagan said afterwards. "It was a ‘wow’ moment and a very, very proud moment for me.
“It wasn’t to be with the last ride, but we all know horse racing isn’t straightforward the whole time and it was just nice to go out like that, and for Richard as well – I owe him a lot.
“I’m going to celebrate with the family. I’m just a bit lost for words and very emotional. I’ve been crying my eyes out, I’m not going to lie. I walked the track earlier with my two boys and that was very emotional. They realised the whole magnitude of it all.
“I keep putting it into younger kids that you might be going through a bad time and it might be tough, but if you work really hard it can pay off. That’s certainly what happened to me.
“I think work ethic and a good attitude can get you a long way.”
Hanagan received presentations from York racecourse and the Professional Jockeys Association after the race and was then doused with a bucket of water.