Hanagan ended the flat season with 191 winners

Paul Hanagan held off the challenge of Richard Hughes to win the champion jockeys' title on the last day of the Flat season at Doncaster.

Irishman Hughes was two behind Hanagan going into Saturday's races but failed to surpass his rival.

"I'm gobsmacked. There are so many people to thank, they know who they are. My agent Richard Hale has done a fantastic job," said Hanagan.

"I'm delighted for Paul, he's a great lad, it wasn't to be," added Hughes.

Having led from the very first day of the campaign at Doncaster in March when he rode a four-timer, Hanagan got to lift the trophy back on Town Moor.

606: DEBATE Congratulations to Paul Hanagan who has won the Jockeys' Championship SupremeArkle

The Malton-based 30-year-old was forced to travel the length and breadth of the country in recent weeks in search of valuable winners, as Hughes pushed him every step of the way.

Despite never taking the lead, Irishman Hughes had been in insatiable form of late and closed the gap on a seemingly daily basis.

The momentum swung one way and then the other, but after Hughes failed to land the feature race, the totesport.com November Handicap on Senate, Hanagan could finally believe he was the champion.

Hanagan, who becomes only the second jockey from the north of England to win the title in the last 100 years, rode an incredible 191 winners, with neither rider able to add to their tally on the final day.

"I've been in front from day one," continued Hanagan.

"I've lived the past week out of a suitcase going to Kempton and Lingfield.

"I owe the boss [Richard Fahey] so much, I've been with him for 14 years and I owe him a lot. Also my agent Richard Hale - without him I wouldn't be here now.

"It sounds great being called champion jockey, I think it will take a while to sink in.

"I'd just like to say what a gentleman Richard Hughes has been, I had a lot of respect for him before but even more now."

Fahey stated: "It's wonderful, it's some achievement, it's quite emotional.

"It's been very tough for the last three weeks, he's been down south away from home but it's nice to do it up here.

"He has fully deserved it, he's put all the work in. It's a bit like the Dingles and David and Goliath situation all rolled into one."

Hughes's agent, Tony Hind, said: "It's been tremendous, they are two fighters. We've been on the back foot all the time in this race, but it's been great."

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