SHEIKH Hamdan of Dubai has parted company with Paul Hanagan, his first-choice rider since 2012.  The alliance came to an end with two rides at Wolverhampton on Friday evening.

The two-time UK champion jockey said in a statement: “I would like to thank Sheikh Hamdan for giving me the opportunity to ride some very special horses, both in Europe and Dubai over the past five years.

Paul Hanagan.

“Sheikh Hamdan is a true gentleman. It has been a privilege to ride for him, and I would like to wish him and the team at Shadwell every successful in the future.

Hanagan, 36, was crowned champion jockey in 2010 and 2011 before he was appointed by Sheikh Hamdan, for whom he rode Taghrooda to victory in both the Investec Oaks at Epsom and the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot two years ago.

Mukhadram, Muhaarar and Muarrab also provided Hanagan further Group One victories in the famous blue and white silks.

No announcement has been made to his replacement, although rumours have it that Godolphin’s second-string rider James Doyle may be the one to take over.