REIGNING champion jockey Richard Hughes has begun what will be his after revealing his plan to retire at the end of the new season
Richard Hannon's stable jockey, who took the first of his three consecutive British Flat championships in 2012, will embark on a training career next year after completing his last campaign as one of the sport's highest-profile riders.
The 42-year-old, regarded by many as the sport's supreme stylist, was on Wednesday taking part in a BHA trainers' course in Newmarket, where he will return in May for a Guineas weekend in which he will hope to boost his Classic haul on last year's star juveniles Ivawood and Tiggy Wiggy.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Hughes said: "I feel physically like I could ride for another five years. My weight is fine and my hunger is as strong as ever. I still have a huge desire to ride as many winners as I can but I know I can't ride forever. However, I know I can train nearly forever and I want my children to grow up in a training yard in the same way I did."
Hughes will be based at Ken Cunningham-Brown's yard in Stockton, Hampshire.
Richard Hannon said on his website: "Hughesie will be going all out to ride as many winners for this season, but he is very excited about his new venture and we wish him all the best.
"We look forward to being rivals on the track next year and also at the bloodstock sales in the autumn."
When he's right, the most aesthetically pleasing, impudent rider of them all.
Who'll replace him? Think it might suit Spencer myself, he'll want numbers without the travel now and all Hannons will run down Sauf.
Will he take any owners with him out of Hannons'?
Hughes has the knowledge, horsemanship and whats more the patience and personality to be a trainer.
Even with all that, it will be tough, though. I think he should have stayed riding, tried to get that Derby winner with the Hannons getting more middle-distance types and then worked alongside junior forevermore.
He's doing because he says he wants his kids to grow up in a racing yard and if he is going to give it a go, it had to be soon.
Wish him luck, he has grown on me. Send him some of those Canford Cliffs'!!!
When he's right, the most aesthetically pleasing, impudent rider of them all.Who'll replace him? Think it might suit Spencer myself, he'll want numbers without the travel now and all Hannons will run down Sauf.Will he take any owners with him out of
Just finished his Auto , says he'll NEVER come home to Ireland to live ..He feels more at home in England and thinks his children are better off living there , I say fair play to him...
Just finished his Auto , says he'll NEVER come home to Ireland to live ..He feels more at home in England and thinks his children are better off living there , I say fair play to him...
IM sure he gave it a lot of thought lads, the most important part of his statement was; I want my children to grow up in a training yard in the same way I did." "Hughesie KNOWS BEST.
IM sure he gave it a lot of thought lads, the most important part of his statement was; I want my children to grow up in a training yard in the same way I did." "Hughesie KNOWS BEST.