MALTON’S Paul Hanagan has been named as Richard Hills’ successor as retained rider for Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.

The two-times champion jockey is currently based with Richard Fahey at Musley Bank, North Yorkshire, but will take up his new role when Hills retires on Dubai World Cup night on March 31.

Angus Gold, racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan, said: “Following the recent announcement of Richard Hills’ retirement after the Dubai World Cup, I am pleased to announce that Paul Hanagan has agreed to ride as first jockey to Sheikh Hamdan for the 2012 season.

“Having been such an integral part of the very successful Richard Fahey team for so long I know Paul will be a tremendous asset to our team.”

Gold said that Hanagan will still be given the opportunity to ride Fahey’s horses, when possible.

Fahey, meanwhile, saluted the achievements of Hanagan, 31, who linked up with the Musley Bank handler when he was 17.

He said: “He’s been with me so many years, but I’m obviously delighted for him. He is still going to be riding for us when he’s available.

“He’s had a lot of job offers in the past and has stuck with us, but this was a big one. His family are still living in the north but Paul is going to be renting a flat in Newmarket.”