A LEGENDARY trainer’s jockey son left his role at Nicky Henderson for Paul Nicholls – and instantly rode a winner.
Paddy Hanlon was broadcast to an audience of millions when he rode former King George Chase winner Hewick at Aintree on Grand National day.
Paddy Hanlon has already got that winning feeling since leaving Nicky Henderson to ride for Paul NichollsCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Nicholls will have a wealth of young talent at his Ditcheat yard for next seasonCredit: PA
Famed Irish trainer Shark Hanlon with stable star Hewick – who is son Paddy rode on Grand National dayCredit: PA
The Italian Job! 🇮🇹
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Maldini Milano gets the better of Grand Conqueror in a pulsating tussle at @plumptonraces … @PFNicholls @PaddyHanlon5 pic.twitter.com/UeSYKb4aVF
The Guinness-drinking, £800 horse is trained by famed Irish handler John ‘Shark’ Hanlon.
And the though the duo set off to make all in the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle before ultimately being pulled up, Paddy continues to make a name for himself in Britain.
He seven months ago with the hope of making a big bang.
But the 18-year-old has upped sticks and made the move from Berkshire to Somerset and Nicholls’ iconic Ditcheat stables in search of more rides.
Hanlon found riding opportunities hard to come by under Henderson.
But he hopes for more success under Nicholls, who will see Harry Cobden leave for good at the end of this month.
Nicholls told Sun Racing he will but instead has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Sam Twiston-Davies.
He will also continue to use some of the top young talent at his disposal, such as Freddie Gingell.
But Hanlon will be putting his hand up for more big rides after riding a winner on his first go for Nicholls.
The 5lb claiming rider steered 17-2 Maldini Milano to a head success in a Class 3 handicap hurdle over 2m4½f at Plumpton on Easter Monday.
Hanlon told the Racing Post he is hoping more chances for rides open up with Nicholls.
He said: “I loved my time at Nicky Henderson’s. It was a fantastic experience and I met some great people, but I wasn’t getting many rides and didn’t feel I could move forward there.
“I joined Paul about six weeks ago and I’m really enjoying it.”
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