Champion jockey rides at Cheltenham or not

Brian Hughes has no declared rides at Cheltenham this year. This seems a real shame.
Are northern trainers shy to bring horses down, and why don't southern trainers use the champion jockey's services if he's available?
I know he'll probably ride a shed load of winners this week, but I'm sure he would like the chance to ride a grade 1 winner at Cheltenham.
It's a pity he won't be there.