Paul Hanagan extends lead in title race with Pontefract treble

Northern-based jockey Paul Hanagan continued his remarkable run of form with a treble at Pontefract today to extend his lead in the jockeys' title race to 11 by the end of the afternoon. With Ryan Moore and Richard Hughes taking the day off, their main rival in the race to be crowned champion jockey took full advantage with a near-15-1 treble at Pontefract. Hanagan has been in unstoppable form of late and after a victory in the final race at Ripon on Monday night, his wins in the first three races at Pontefract made it four victories in a row for the rider. The only problem for Hanagan in recent days was when he was unseated on the way to the start of the first race at Ayr on Sunday and while he gave up four mounts that day, none actually won. "The nose is still a bit sore, but if I keep on riding winners it takes my mind off it," said Hanagan. "It was my own fault at Ayr. I tried to hold on to the horse because he was favourite instead of just letting him go. He trampled me a bit but I'll live." Hanagan started with a double for his retainer, Richard Fahey, when both Majestic Myles and Monkton Vale clung on in driving finishes. Majestic Myles (4-9 favourite) was making it three wins out of just four career starts in the Dianne Nursery and defied a 6lb penalty for a recent Redcar win. "He was carrying a lot of weight for a two-year-old (9st 12lb) and he was feeling it at the end because he was pricking his ears and idling a bit," said Hanagan. Robin O'Ryan, Fahey's assistant, added: "I think we'll give him a break now and freshen him up. The handicapper won't take kindly to him winning three out of four. He's done his job for the moment though so we'll see what's next." Monkton Vale, the 15-8 favourite, just held on in the Yorkshire Racing Summer Festival Handicap from the fast-finishing River Ardeche. "That's the Hanagan factor, he's riding out of his skin," said O'Ryan. "They both wanted it and I think he was pricking his ears at the end so he might have had a bit left." Perfect Blossom, the 11-4 favourite, completed the treble in the Harworth Estates Handicap, her third win in four starts for Kevin Ryan since switching from Ian McInnes' yard. Joe O'Gorman, representing Ryan, said: "She's very tough and she's improving quickly. She does everything to please you. She didn't get six furlongs at Leicester so we'll keep her to five and she's very fast." Hanagan travelled on to the Southwell all-weather meeting in the evening where he had five scheduled mounts.