Watch: Retired Horse Racing Champion Receives ‘Secret’ Gift Ahead of Christmas

After having reigned the horse racing arenas for more than 2 decades, the 2x British Champion Jockey is savoring retirement life. Among several other prestigious achievements, the 43-year-old created history in 2014. He recently bid adieu to this great sport before being bestowed with an emotional guard of honor in August.

With Christmas around the corner, he is now busy receiving Santa gifts from fans and colleagues alike. In the latest update, the 2014 Oaks winner received a special ‘secret’ Christmas gift from an American trainer.

Champion horse racing jockey receives hilarious Christmas gift

Paul Hanagan has been one of Britain’s iconic equestrian jockeys. As he enjoys his retirement and braces to enjoy the Christmas festivities now, the multiple grade 1 stakes winner received a ‘secret’ gift from American racehorse trainer Craig Lidster. “I don’t think @Paul_Hanagan is happy about his Secret Santa gift. Well done Laura (laughing emoji)”, Lidster wrote in the latest Twitter post.

Paul can be seen wearing a safety control jacket, typical of either police officers or firefighters. “Health and safety officer, Grit Control”, the jacket had engraved on the back of it. It’s evident that the American trainer could only have been playing some kind of a prank on Paul, and could be seen hilariously laughing at it as well. Paul on the other hand looked a bit dejected, but could also be seen smiling in the end, and even reposted the post eventually. And smile he should after receiving another Lester’s award.

Paul Hanagan receives yet another Lester award

In the recently concluded Professional Jockeys Association Lester’s Awards on Thursday evening, Paul Hanagan received his 9th award from the prestigious organization. He was crowned with the Flat Jockey Special Recognition award for his remarkable contribution to horse racing.

READ MORE: Champion Jockey Unveils Packed Winter Horse Racing Schedule Following Major Grade 1 Stakes Triumph

Before retiring this year in August, Paul rode at the Wootton Bassett and secured his final Grade 1 victory aboard Wootton’Sun. Prior to the emotional goodbye, he received a special guard of honor from fellow jockeys as well. His most memorable season was in 2014, as he enjoyed success in Oaks, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, becoming the first jockey to do so.

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