Redcar review: Hanagan in top gear at Redcar

A review of Monday's action at Redcar, where Paul Hanagan enjoyed a successful afternoon.

Paul Hanagan was the star man at Redcar as the former champion jockey rode a 41/1 treble at the Teesside track.

Following on from a lucrative spell in Dubai, Hanagan has wasted no time in making a flying start to the new turf season, immediately linking back up with his old boss Richard Fahey.

The Malton handler provided two of his winners, while his third triumph came in the colours of his current employer, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.

All three winners should go on to better things and Fahey's Astley Hall, who defied a tardy start to win the Watch Racing UK Anywhere Maiden Stakes, may even be a Royal Ascot type.

Home-bred by David Armstrong, there is not much of him and being drawn on the outside in stall one did not help as he dived to his left when the gates opened.

Despite losing plenty of ground, the 5/1 chance was soon back on an even keel yet still showed signs of greenness.

It was to his credit, then, that the Dutch Art colt was able to come through to beat Risk Adjusted by three-quarters of a length, with the same back to the well-supported Majestic Bond.

Fahey was absent but his assistant Robin O'Ryan said: "It's always nice when a home-bred wins and he did it nicely.

"He was drawn out on the wing, which didn't help, but Paul said he soon pricked his ears when he got to the front.

"He's a grand little horse and he's all there."

Fahey and Hanagan doubled up in the Become An Annual Badge Holder Today Median Auction Maiden Stakes with Brotherly Company.

Second on debut at the same venue, he was sent off the 4/7 favourite, having run well in a hot race at Chelmsford City on his seasonal return.

Hanagan was positive from the outset and nothing other than a win looked likely at any stage as his partner beat Skiddaw Valleys by two and three-quarter lengths.

O'Ryan said: "He's a nice horse. We told Paul to be positive and make plenty of use of him.

"That was 10 furlongs and I wouldn't have thought he'd have any problem getting further.

"There's a fair bit of him and hopefully he'll keep progressing."

Hanagan made it a treble on Brian Meehan's Taghreeb (7/2 joint-favourite) in the Racing UK Profits Returned To Racing Handicap Stakes.

The four-year-old, sporting the silks of Hanagan's boss, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, found plenty for pressure to beat Dubai Hills by a head.

Hanagan said: "He's very laid-back, which is why he had a pair of blinkers on."

William Buick made the journey north worthwhile as Second Wave (6/5 favourite) ran out a ready winner of the Pinnacle Racing Syndicate Shares Now Available Handicap.

Charlie Appleby's New Approach colt had won on his debut at the track last autumn but was made to work hard that day.

However, he appears to have thrived for his winter break and had plenty in hand in beating Go Dan Go by a length and a half.

Buick said: "He could be all right. He's a likeable horse and has the right attitude."

Jockey Antonio Fresu is beginning to make a good impression since moving from Italy and looked very tidy in winning the racinguk.com/anywhere: 3 Devices, 1 Price Fillies' Handicap on Vanishing.

Ed Walker's filly had shaped with promise in three maidens last season and was sent off the 6/4 second favourite to break her maiden on her handicap debut.

Fresu bided his time before sweeping down the outside to beat Elle Dorado by a length and a quarter.

Admirable veteran Haajes notched a 15th career success in the Register To Vote Now #NoVoteNoVoice Selling Stakes.

Now an 11-year-old, he started his career with Dermot Weld back in 2006 and joined Midgley five years ago.

The 9/2 chance won cosily by a length and three-quarters under Graham Lee.

"I'll certainly miss him when he's gone," said the Westow handler.