PAUL Hanagan jetted out to Dubai on Tuesday to prepare for his debut ride at the spectacular new Meydan Racecourse.

The Warrington jockey will ride promising 4-year-old Bridge of Gold at the Dubai Carnival for trainer Mikael Magnusson on Thursday.

Hanagan, who is the stable jockey for Malton based trainer Richard Fahey, is looking forward to returning to Dubai.

He said: “The course looks brilliant, the racing in Dubai is some of the best in the world and I had a great season out there a few years ago.

“I was a stable jockey there for about 6 months and had a good season, riding 30 winners to come third or fourth in the jockey standings.”

The American owned Bridge of Gold was originally due to race in California at the Santa Anita Handicap in March, meaning Hanagan would not have been availible to ride him.

But Magnusson has been so impressed with the jockey’s strike rate in previous races that he arranged for the Giants Causeway colt to travel to Dubai instead, meaning the 27-year-old Warringtonian was free to partner the horse in an undisclosed handicap.

Hanagan was also pleased with the change of race, as the Dubai handicap will offer a longer trip than the 1 mile 2 furlongs on offer in California.

“He was going to run in the USA but the trip was one and a half miles which is too short,” he said.

“Dubai was an extra furlong and I’ve got a 40% strike rate with the trainer.

“It’s a very good horse and should have a massive chance.

“Mikael has said it’s in great form and he believes it is the best horse he’s had-so it’s definitely got an opportunity.”

The handicap will be a good fitness test for Hanagan, who will have one eye on the rapidly approaching turf season, which begins in March.