What could be better than achieving an outstanding feat? Repeating it twelve months later, that’s what!

Paul Hanagan, having become only the third northern rider in more than 100 years to become British champion in 2010, memorably retained his title in 2011 – and re-wrote the record books into the bargain. In gaining back-to-back victories, Hanagan, number-one pilot to Richard Fahey and a vital cog in the Musley Bank wheel for so long, became the first northern jockey to twice win the championship. Furthermore, in beating Silvestre de Sousa, the Thirsk-based Brazilian, by a margin of four winners, northern jockeys famously filled the first two places in the all-important title race.

The two jockeys, friends as well as rivals, wished each other well on the final day at Doncaster in November before, yet again, Hanagan was hoisted shoulder-high and soaked in champagne by colleagues after his seven-and-a-bit months of toil were rewarded with the ultimate prize for endeavour.

As modest as he is popular, Hanagan was as relieved as he was delighted to pull-off a  second fairytale triumph, surrounded by family and friends, who mean so much to him.

“It felt good,” he says. “To do it once was wonderful, but to win it again was unbelievable, something special. Fair play to Silvestre, he was riding out of his skin. The previous year when it was me a Richard Hughes, we’d often be riding at opposite ends of the country and I’d be keeping an eye on him on television. But because Silvestre and I are both northern jockeys, we were riding against each other nearly every day. I have a lot of respect for him. We had a quiet word at Doncaster on that final day and shook hands. He’s a proper gentleman.”

De Sousa was equally lavish in his praise of Hanagan. “I gave it my best shot, but it wasn’t quite enough," he said, "All credit to Paul, he deserved it. He’s a thorough professional.”

Hanagan felt that lessons had been learned since the previous season. “I think I learned a lot from the first year I won it. I coped with it all a bit better this time. It seemed like only two minutes before it came around again and when I had a winner on the first day of the season and three on the second day of Doncaster’s Lincoln meeting, it was like ‘here we go again." Thankfully, the ball kept rolling and once again I had tremendous support from a lot of trainers and owners, especially the boss. I am very grateful.”

Putting the achievements of his number-one jockey into perspective, Fahey, who crucially provided Hanagan with 461 mounts and 75 winners, said, “It’s huge. Nobody should underestimate what he has done. To do it once was immense, but to do it a second time is incredible. These things don’t just happen. It takes a huge amount of effort and Paul’s efforts have been rewarded.”

Hanagan, who was accompanied to Doncaster by his wife Anna and their two young sons, Josh and Sam, also had his father, mother and sister at the course to share in his momentous moment. “It hasn’t been as hard or as pressurised second time round, but it was tough all the same,” he reflected. “It’s gruelling, more than anything else. Seven months is a long time and it’s the bit that people don’t see, the early-mornings riding-out, the late nights coming back from evening meetings in Scotland and all the travelling that takes most out of you.”

Hanagan, who has been with Fahey for 14 years, had previously spent a year with Malcolm Jefferson, and the Norton trainer was delighted at the outcome. “It was great to see Paul crowned champion a second time, and great for northern racing," he said.

Kevin Darley, the last northern champion in 2000, was full of admiration for Hanagan’s feat. Now chief executive of the Professional Jockeys’ Association, Darley joked, “He would have to go one better than me by winning it twice, wouldn’t he? Seriously, though, he deserves great credit. I know how much work goes into being champion and he acquitted himself brilliantly, as did Silvestre. They are a credit to their profession.”

No less a riding legend than Tony McCoy was also quick to offer his congratulations. “It’s great for Paul to win it again,” he said. “He’s a top jockey and, even more importantly, a top bloke.”

Few would disagree with the sentiments of the 16-times jumping champion. Hanagan’s skill in the saddle is superceded only by his popularity, his unassuming nature and his modesty. “Everyone likes him. That’s important; it makes a difference,” said Fahey.

Hanagan, whose milestones in 2011 included his 1,100th career success at Catterick in mid-summer and his successful retention of being leading jockey at York for a third successive year, is the 5-2 favourite to win the championship a third consecutive time in 2012 – and re-write the record books once again. Who would bet against the Musley Bank jockey with the midas touch?

By Tom O’Ryan (updated December 2011)