Hanagan no longer No.1 for Sheikh Hamdan

English jockey Paul Hanagan has lost his position as No.1 rider for Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.

Hanagan was announced as Sheikh Hamdan’s first-choice rider in February 2012 after the retirement of Richard Hills but the alliance came to an end with two rides at Wolverhampton on Friday evening.

Sheikh Hamdan’s racing manager Angus Gold said in a statement issued to Press Association Sport: “On behalf of Sheikh Hamdan I would like to thank Paul very much for all his work for us over the last four years.

“We have enjoyed some great days together, highlighted by Taghrooda, Muhaarar and Mukhadram and he has contributed enormously to their successful racing careers.

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“On a personal level I would like to pay tribute to Paul’s tremendous attitude and fantastic worth ethic.”

Britain’s champion jockey in 2010 and 2011, 36-year-old Hanagan said he was looking forward to new challenges.

“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.

“It is too early to say what my plans are for the future, but I will continue to work as hard as ever and am looking forward to meeting the new challenges that lie ahead.”