Having claimed his maiden jockey championship crown, 2019-20 jumps champion Brian Hughes has declared he will defend his title in season 20-21.
Hughes was today announced champion jumps jockey following the abandonment of the remainder of the jumps season due to the coronavirus.
The 34-year-old was leading Richard Johnson by 19 winners on 141 victories before the season was brought to a standstill on March 17 when British Horseracing Authority (BHA) stepped in to suspend the season at the recommendation from the National Health Services (NHS).
As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the UK, the official presentation will be made when racing resumes.
Hughes told Great British Racing: “It has always been a dream of mine to become champion jockey, so to have finally achieved it is fantastic.
“It is obviously a little disappointing that we haven’t been able to see out the season as we were all looking forward to doing so and there were some big race days to look forward to, but current circumstances are out of all our hands, and racing’s no different.
“I’ve had another great season with 141 winners and I cannot thank all the trainers, owners, stable staff and my family who have continued to support me and I hope everyone is staying safe at this time.
“Like everyone else, I can’t wait to get back out there riding and will be doing everything I can to keep hold of the title next season.”
In addition, Brian Hughes also took home the northern jockey title which is awarded to the hoop with the most wins at racetracks north of Market Rasen during the championships. With 110 of his total of 141 wins at northern tracks, it’s a handy double for Hughes who has undoubtedly had a successful season.
Taking home his sixth champion title as a trainer, Nicky Henderson delivered 118 wins including four Cheltenham Festival winners highlighted by Champion Hurdle victor Epatante.
It made for a total of £2,533,862 in prize-money seeing him finish £192,550 clear of 11-times winner Paul Nicholls.
“It’s a great pity that we haven’t been able to see the season out and it looked like the race was going down to the wire again at Sandown Park,” Henderson said.
“But all of us know that the current situation is bigger than racing and something that everyone in the country is having to deal with and face.
“I would like to thank all of the owners that have enabled us to win this year’s trainers’ championship – it really is a testament to them and the horses that we have in our yard.
“Seven Barrows as a team are extremely proud of this title and my staff have been amazing, as they always are, and are doing everything they can to make sure all the horses are looked after during this time.
“I know that they and everyone else in the sport will be raring to go with the next season, as soon as it’s safe to start racing again.”
