I SPOKE to jockey Paul Hanagan on the phone last week and he told me he was really looking forward to the upcoming William Hill Ayr Gold Cup Festival at Ayr Racecourse.

The two-time champion jockey loves Ayr and is sure to have a full book of rides over the three days with many of these coming on Richard Fahey trained horses.

Paul celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday and rode a winner on Coolagh Forest at York.

And he is in great form at the moment so can approach the meeting with some confidence.

One of his happiest memories he told me was winning the Doonside Cup in 2007 on the brilliant filly Anna Pavlova.

He he will be hoping to have a good mount in this year’s renewal of one of my favourite races.

Liverpool-mad Paul is still in awe after meeting his hero Andy Robertson at Ayr back in June.

He describes that day as one of the best of his life.

Paul isn’t sure what horse he will be riding in the Ayr Gold Cup as Richard Fahey isn’t certain to have a runner. However he will be in demand from a host of other trainers.

Its hard to believe that it was 13 years ago Paul steered Fonthill Road to victory in the Gold Cup. And he would dearly love to lift the old trophy again.