WARRINGTON born Paul Hanagan has been honoured by his home town following his unique distinction of being crowned “Champion Jockey” for a second consecutive year- but it could have been all so different if he had followed his first love of football.
Hanagan, aged 31, who grew up in Latchford and watched his dad play for Warrington Town at Wembley in the 1987 FA Vase Final, was honoured during a special reception at Warrington Town Hall.
He was presented with a special commerative plaque by the Mayor of Warrington Cllr Mike Biggin.
Leader of the Council Cllr Terry O’Neill congratulated Hanagan on his “amazing achievement” which involved taking part in more than 1200 races during the flat racing season for the second consecutive year.
On receiving his award Hanagan admitted that his first love had been football, but he was deemed as not being big enough to make it as a professional.
His dad, who had played for Warrington Town, including the club’s historic Wembley appearance, took him along to horse riding – and the rest is history.
After being crowned Champion Jockey for the second time Hanagan intially said he would not be attempting a hat-trick of successes – but he may now be having second thoughts!
