Jockey' Title Race Hotting Up by the Day

Anyone who thought that Paul Hanagan's challenge for the 2010 British Flat jockeys championship might fizzle out by now must surely have been persuaded that the northern based rider is a deadly serious contender. Following a thrilling four-timer at Mussleburgh on Friday 6 August he is now 14 winners clear of nearest pursuer Richard Hughes, writes Elliot Slater.

Hanagan has been the front-runner for some months having been a 33/1 chance to lift the championship at the start of the season, his amazing run of success due in the main to the excellent form of his retained stable of Richard Fahey, the Malton-based trainer having easily exceeded the 100 winners mark for the term by early summer.

Reigning champion Ryan Moore is 17 winners off the pace, but Hanagan is doubtless aware that Sir Michael Stoute's stable jockey is sure to come with a late volley of winners as the powerful Newmarket handler unleashes his more late-maturing juveniles during the last two months of the campaign.

Richard Hughes has been riding in sensational form throughout the season, highlighted recently by his astounding nine winners at the Glorious Goodwood fixture, all of which came for his retained stable of father-in-law Richard Hannon who is enjoying yet another memorable year.

The run in to the end of the season seems certain to be one of the most exciting for many years with the yards of Fahey, Stoute and Hannon throwing everything behind their respective riders, all of whom will doubtless receive considerable support from outside yards the length and breadth of the country.

Looking at racing tips for today Hanagan is now offered at a best priced 4/6 to win his first title, Moore is 2/1 to stage what would be a memorable comeback, whilst Hughes is available at a rather tempting 6/1 with irish racing tips.