CHAMPION jockey Paul Hanagan made a winning return to action on his first ride of the year aboard Sharp Shoes and then doubled up later on at Wolverhampton yesterday.
The Warrington Flat jockey, who will begin the defence of his crown later this month, brought home Ann Duffield’s four-year-old home in the ATRCasinoClub.com Selling Stakes. And then doubled up aboard Clive Cox’s 30-100 favourite Covert Decree in the Enjoy The Party Pack Group Offer Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.
Hanagan, who is a best-priced 6-1 with Coral and Stan James to retain his title, was delighted with yesterday’s start and said: “I couldn’t have asked for better. I’d never before taken three months off and it’s great to get back among the winners immediately after such a long break.”
He added: “I badly needed a break by the end of November. But while there were plans at one stage for me to ride in Japan over the winter, they didn’t pan out and it was probably for the best that I was able to have a complete break. I spent time with the family, went on holiday to Mauritius for a fortnight and I’m feeling all the better for it.”
On his title challenge, he said: “We’ll just see how things go, but if I get a good start like I did last year then I would certainly give it another shot. Why not?”
