Horse Racing: Happy Paul Hanagan off and running

Champion jockey Paul Hanagan had to wait just one ride at Lingfield until claiming his first victory of the new Flat season.

It was typical of the earnest Hanagan to begin his title defence by travelling on to Wolverhampton's night meeting after a brief stop in Surrey, having chased Richard Hughes up and down the country during their compelling battle in 2010. A formidable association with trainer Richard Fahey is what clinched the prize last November and it was the stable's Miss Work Of Art who got the pair off the mark.

Miss Work Of Art was the inaugural runner from first-season sire Dutch Art and went off the 11-8 favourite for the Premier Showfreight Yearling Bonus Scheme Maiden Stakes. She recovered from a slow start to burst three and a quarter lengths clear by the line.

"It soon comes around, but I'm looking forward to it," said Hanagan. "She was a little bit green early on but once the penny dropped she came home well. She has a lovely temperament and I'm really pleased with her."

Hughes is suspended this week but there were no shortage of other championship seekers aiming to hit the ground running, including Ryan Moore and Kieren Fallon.

Moore, who is a hot favourite to be king for the fourth time, was also a quick starter when he dominated proceedings aboard 5-6 favourite Deauville Post in the Nicholas Hall Handicap. He combined for a second time with last year's champion trainer Richard Hannon for a fairly hard-fought triumph on 1-3 shot Choral in the Rudridge Maiden Stakes.

Hayley Turner, the first female jockey to ride 100 winners in a calendar year, has the same ambition again this time and her target looks eminently achievable as she pounced with a useful spare on Jane Chapple-Hyam's Guildenstern (20-1) in the H & V Serviceplan Handicap.

Hanagan was later rewarded for his trip to Wolverhampton when he steered 3-1 shot Palm Pilot - The Scotsman's nap - to victory in the Enjoy The Party Pack Group Offer Handicap.