Hanagan steps in for Air victory
Paul Hanagan stepped in for a lucky spare ride to take the opening race at Southwell on Free To Air for Kingsclere trainer Andrew Balding.
Martin Dwyer had been booked to ride the colt in the Betfred Million Median Auction Maiden Stakes but he suffered a recurrence of back spasms after riding work for Marcus Tregoning and gave up his four mounts on the card.
Hanagan proved a very able substitute, however, as he produced the 11-4 shot to lead inside the last of the 11 furlongs to beat Dream Champion by half a length.
The winner carried the colours of the handler’s sister, BBC Sport presenter Clare Balding.
“He was just a bit weak last year. He ran very well first time and then he wasn’t quite right but he’s done well through the winter and he will get further,” Balding’s mother, Emma, said.
