Champion jockey is Hanagan's aim

Paul Hanagan has pipped David Allan as top Yorkshire jockey for two years running

Malton-based jockey Paul Hanagan has stated his long-term ambition is to become champion jockey after finishing fifth in the 2008 championship.

Hanagan, 27, is Richard Fahey's stable jockey and is the top flat rider at Yorkshire courses for a second year.

He told BBC Radio York: "I'd have to be mad not to set my sights on one day being champion jockey.

"They say it's always hard being in the north but Kevin Darley has shown it can be done (in 2000), so why not?"

Hanagan comes from Warrington and went from the British Racing School in Newmarket to Malcolm Jefferson's yard in Malton, with the ambition of becoming a jump jockey.

"Malcolm was one of the best things that has happened to me," Hanagan added, "he sent me on to Richard Fahey and 12 years later I'm stable jockey."

Hanagan has twice ridden more than 100 (flat) winners in a season, and cites his career highlight as Anna Pavlova winning the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock in July 2008.

"Being the local track where I was born it made it extra special," he explained.

"I'm very lucky to be the stable jockey to one of the top trainers in Yorkshire (Fahey saddled more than 100 winners in 2008). He's one of the best trainers about."

His title of top Yorkshire jockey is remarkable because he has tied for most winners on Yorkshire courses with David Allan for two years running, but won the award both times on number of second places.

Hanagan added: "We've had a bit of banter, I've given him a bit of stick saying 'I can't believe you never won it because you never went past Doncaster,' but we're good mates, and I'm very honoured to get it for a second year running."