Hanagan closes in on title

PAUL HANAGAN moved a step closer to claiming back-to-back jockeys’ championships with a winner at Wolverhampton yesterday.

Hanagan struck on Richard Fahey’s Gritstone (6-5 favourite) in the Breeders’ Cup Live ATR Virgin 534 Handicap.

With his main rival Silvestre de Sousa not back in action until tomorrow having flown to Australia to ride Fox Hunt for Mark Johnston in the Melbourne Cup, Hanagan admits his win was vital.