Few jockeys understand the unique demands of Epsom quite like Paul Hanagan.
A two-time British Champion Jockey and Group 1-winning rider, Hanagan enjoyed a wonderful career in the saddle, with one of the standout moments arriving in the 2014 Oaks aboard the brilliant Taghrooda before the pair later went on to land the King George at Ascot.
With the Derby and Oaks once again taking centre stage at Epsom very soon, I caught up with the former champion to discuss his memories of riding at the famous Surrey track, what makes Epsom such a difficult test for jockeys and horses alike, and which contenders have caught his eye ahead of this year’s Classics.
In this exclusive Q&A, Hanagan also reflects on retirement, the biggest achievements of his career, and offers valuable insight for punters looking to tackle one of the biggest betting weekends of the flat season.
Q&A With Paul Hanagan
Firstly Paul, how are you enjoying retirement from race riding, and what does life look like for you these days?
Really enjoying retirement, I was one of the lucky ones in that I knew it was the right time to call it a day as I see far too many over the years that try to keep going, many injuries over the years including breaking my back also help the decision but I'm now spending quality time with my family that I wasn't able to do over 27 years along with managing different properties where we live.
Looking back on your career, what achievement are you proudest of – your two champion jockey titles, your Group 1 wins, or is there one moment that stands above the rest?
I think becoming Champion apprentice in 2002 with the second highest total of wins and back-to-back Champion jockey titles that has never been done in the North before has to be my proudest achievements, but also proud of gaining a true reputation of being a good person.
You rode winners around the world, but how unique a challenge is Epsom compared to other racecourses in Britain?
Epsom has to be one of the most difficult tracks in the world to ride as simply most horses don't handle the camber or undulations. Goodwood is also another difficult track but I have to say 7/8 rides around Catterick or Beverley can be just as difficult, just getting to the start is an achievement.
I remember well your 2014 Oaks win aboard Taghrooda – she was some filly! What do you remember most about that day and how satisfying was it to win such an iconic race?
Taghrooda was a special filly trained by one of the best, I don't think I have ever been so confident in such a big race, but that helped with her doing Breakfast with the Stars a week before the race which I rode her alongside a stablemate, she went round there as though there were no camber or undulations at all. It was a special day to win a Classic for HH (Sheikh Hamdan) and the Shadwell team and realising what a huge moment as their last classic before this was in 2004, and Taghrooda being the last to date.
From a jockey’s perspective, what are the key attributes a horse needs to handle Epsom and succeed in races like the Derby and the Oaks?
I think there are a few attributes for a horse to handle Epsom. Firstly, to be mentally strong as it's a long way to get to the 1m 4f start at Epsom. I have seen many horses run their race before the gates even open. Another would be for your horse to travel well in the race as generally if you don't travel, your horse won't handle the track as well. This is what really helped Taghrooda as she went to post like she was out for a morning hack and travelled round beautifully. Positioning in the race is also very important as I feel it's a track that you can't be too far back unless the pace is unsustainable.
For racing fans who may only watch the big festivals and Classics, what makes the Derby and Oaks so special within the sport?
I think the history of such races like the Oaks and the Derby and watching them over the years as a fan, jockey, trainer, pundit, gambler, all the good horses over the years adds extra excitement in what's a high stakes race.
In your experience, how important is tactical positioning around Epsom, particularly turning for home?
I think tactical positioning is key round Epsom and has been the key for horses winning and losing. I actually think the first 100 to 200 yards in a big field for the Oaks or Derby is more important than the bend turning in as after the stalls open depending on where you’re drawn, you have horses holding their line or rushing up on the inside or you can have horses from the outside trying to get in not wanting to be stuck wide. Generally, if you can get a good position early on it makes life easier for the home turn.
Is there a current jockey in Britain who you think rides Epsom especially well?
Ryan Moore for me is one of the best to ride Epsom, many will say he's on the best, OK, but his positioning on a horse is normally always in the right place and right time.
We’ve had some impressive trial winners this year, and some wonderful pedigrees to fawn over. If you had the pick of them all, what horses would you like to ride in the Derby and the Oaks if you had the pick of them?
The Derby looks as an open race as in many a year, but I wouldn’t mind being on Item for Juddmonte who looked still to be improving at York and looks to stay well.
For the Oaks, I really liked Legacy Link’s attitude and doing her best work in the last 100 yards.
Odds correct at 14:00 BST on 22/05/26. Odds subject to change.
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For punters studying the Classics, what’s one thing you think people often overlook when assessing the field?
I think punters and jockeys for that matter can overlook second or third string horses from the same stable that might even be there for the pace, but being around Epsom and getting too much rope in front is something I have seen quite a lot of.
Racing and betting go hand in hand – were you somebody who paid close attention to the market as a jockey, or did you mostly focus on your own ride and trainer instructions?
I personally didn’t pay too much attention to what price my horse was, I would just try and concentrate on the tactics that may lay ahead and the instructions off the trainer.
Finally, if you could relive one race from your career rides at Epsom, would it still be the Oaks on Taghrooda, or is there another ride that sticks with you more?
Obviously Taghrooda at Epsom was a highlight of my career, but a horse called Vintage Premium that I owe so much to won a big handicap there in 2002, just what I needed it after losing my claim and deciding to stay over the far side when the majority came stands side on soft ground – was a day I remember fondly.
Final Thoughts
With Epsom’s unique test once again set to challenge some of the best three-year-olds in training, few people are better placed to offer insight than Paul Hanagan.
From handling the famous camber to understanding the tactical demands of the Derby and Oaks, Hanagan’s experience at the very top level provides punters and racing fans alike with a fascinating perspective ahead of one of the biggest weekends of the flat racing calendar.
As it happens, I’m also very keen on both Item (Derby) and Legacy Link (Oaks), with the latter tipped up on my Dante Festival bet preview pages earlier in the month. Be sure to check out may latest Saturday horse racing tips for all the latest weekend action.
