Tuesday 5 October 2010

Hanagan On Cloud Nine


Paul Hanagan is still on cloud nine after Wootton Bassett gave the title-chasing jockey his first Group One success in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp on Sunday.

Richard Fahey's youngster headed to France with four victories from four starts, and proved seven furlongs and testing ground were no problem with a brilliant all-the-way success. Hanagan believes he could even improve again ahead of what connections hope will be a Classic-winning campaign in 2011.

"It was brilliant to get that first Group One. It's been a great season so far and to get that Group One, especially as it was the first for Richard as well, was just fantastic. That's him done for the year now, but hopefully there is lots to look forward to next season as I think there's still more improvement in him," said Hanagan.

"He's got the speed and a turn of foot when he needs to use it - he's just a very good horse.

"He's come out of the race absolutely fine and it was a great performance.

"He was a bit keen early as he got a bit of a bump coming out of the gates and that just set him alight a bit. But after that he was always travelling well and I was always confident he was going to win.

"The ground was plenty tacky enough, but he handled it really well and you would have to be hopeful he'll get the mile next year now, especially as he's got such a good temperament - he just seems to have it all."