Dubai: Could two-time British champion jockey Paul Hanagan’s ‘controversial’ ride in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup day earlier this year have triggered a whole chain reaction that led to his axing from one of flat racing’s most coveted jobs?
New light has been shed on how Hanagan was unceremoniously ousted as retained rider to Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, the owner of the powerful Shadwell empire.
Locally based Emirati-handler Ali Rashid Al Raihe on Tuesday claimed that the British rider’s failure to follow his connections’ instructions compromised Ertijaal’s chances of winning the $1 million contest. The five-furlong sprint was won by Australia’s Buffering, who was confidently ridden to record a clinical three-quarter length victory.
“Hanagan did not follow the instructions on how to ride Ertijaal,” Al Raihe told a shocked gathering at Jebel Ali Racecourse on Tuesday.
“He was careless and that is not what you would expect from a stable jockey.
“Ertijaal is a horse that likes to be ridden from the front. Those were the instructions, but instead Hanagan, despite breaking well, chose to sit off the early pace and to track the leaders (Peniaphobia 3rd, and Buffering).
“In a five-furlong sprint there is no margin for error. Ertijaal was not given the chance to run his usual race and Hanagan had left his horse with too much to do inside the final furlong, which eventually cost him the race.”
Meanwhile, Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of Shaikh Hamdan’s Office and Shadwell Chairman, has backed Jim Crowley’s appointment as Hanagan’s replacement.
“After careful consideration, and working with his team of advisers led by Angus Gold and Richard Hills, Shaikh Hamdan has offered Jim Crowley the coveted position of his number one jockey,” Al Sayegh told Gulf News.
“It was certainly not the easiest of appointments, given the nature and demands of the job. But Jim is a very good rider and a person of integrity and high character.
“We received glowing recommendations from several trainers and were delighted to welcome someone like him into the Shadwell family.
“We wish him all the very best in his new, high profile role.”
Crowley, 38, who was crowned champion jockey in Britain for the first time last month, become only the fourth rider since 1988 to ride as Shaikh Hamdan’s principal jockey following Hanagan, Richard Hills and Willie Carson.
“My goal is to still ride as many winners as I can and obviously it would be great to try and retain my title,” said Crowley.
“First and foremost, my job is for Shaikh Hamdan and I’ve got to do the best I can for them. I’ll probably have to ride out a bit more to get to know the horses but I’m really looking forward to it.”
Angus Gold, Shaikh Hamdan’s racing manager, confirmed that Crowley will be heading to Dubai early next year to ride in the famous blue and white silks for the first time.
“He’ll be going out to Dubai for the Carnival, which starts in early January,” Gold said. “In the meantime, Dane O’Neill is still second jockey and he’s out in Dubai anyway, so Jim will go out to help him.”
