As the official champion jockey, Brian Hughes will be leading a large traveling party south to the jumps season finale at Sandown on Saturday.
Because of the pandemic, the northern-based rider was denied his moment of glory when he won his first title two years ago, but he will be able to lift the trophy in front of a raucous crowd this time.
Hughes, who isn’t one for basking in the spotlight, sees the chance as an opportunity to give back to the team.
“It’ll be nice to travel down there, and my family will enjoy it,” he added. “There will be plenty of people coming over from Ireland, and my wife and kids will be there.”
“They provide me with a great deal of support and enable me to do my job every day, albeit selfishly because all I have to concentrate on is racing. A day at Sandown will be as much for my family as it would be for me.”
Hughes was booked for four rides when the entries for Saturday were released on Monday, including Malystic in the bet365 Celebration Chase and Nuts Well in the bet365 Oaksey Chase.
He responded, “Donald [McCain] has entry down there, and my agent will do everything he can to get me on rides.”
“There are a few rides there, but I’m not sure what’s going right now.”
It’s not out of the question that Hughes may ride his 200th winner of the season on the final day, following in the footsteps of Sir Anthony McCoy, Richard Johnson, and Peter Scudamore, though he’d prefer to do the job before then.
The 36-year-old, who this season beat Tom Scudamore to become Britain’s most prolific jump jockey, reached 197 with a winner at Fakenham on Monday and has a normally strong book of rides at Sedgefield on Tuesday, has a typical strong book of rides.
“It’s been giving me something to get the bit between my teeth with and I’d like to get it over the line,” he said before Monday’s match at Fakenham.
“I’m not sure I’ll ever be in this situation again, as I’ve had a lot of luck this season.”
“Donald’s horses are in terrific shape, as are the horses I ride for, and we haven’t missed too many meetings due to bad weather.”
“This week, I’ve got some fantastic rides lined up, so hopefully I’ll be able to meet my goal”, he added.
