Brian Hughes first to 100 winners in the Jump Jockeys’ Championships

News | 22^nd November 2021

Brian Hughes has had a thunderous start to the 2021/22 Jump Jockeys’ Championship, celebrating his 100^th winner of the season today at Ayr.

Brian Hughes is the first to reach the century milestone this season, a huge 41 winners ahead of nearest rival Sam Twiston-Davies, asserting his dominance on this year’s title race, which has just passed the halfway stage having started on 1^st May this year.

Having previously won the Championship in 2019/20, the 36-year-old looks on track to reclaim his crown this year in impressive fashion after narrowly missing out last year, despite a fierce battle with Harry Skelton.

Hughes’s 461 rides already this term comfortably eclipses the rest of the field and speaks of his determination and dedication to wrestle back his title.

His best day so far this season was his stellar performance in riding a five-timer at Musselburgh back in October, that included four winners for Donald McCain. The Cheshire-based trainer has provided 51% of Hughes’ wins so far this season.

Speaking on his milestone achievement, Hughes said: “It’s great to reach 100 winners already this year. It’s always the first big target to tick off when you set your goals at the start of the season, so to achieve it in November is really encouraging.

“The five-timer at Musselburgh was the highlight. They don’t come around too often those days so you have to enjoy them when you have them!”

Performing currently at a strike rate of 22%, Hughes’s wins this season so far have favoured the Northern courses, with his top performing tracks including 14 winners at Perth, 11 at Sedgefield and seven at Musselburgh and Southwell.

Hughes continued: “The ultimate goal remains reclaiming the Championship. Anything can happen during the season, so there is no room to let up from my perspective. I will keep pushing towards the next milestone and continue to ride as many winners as possible.”

The 2021/22 Jump Jockeys’ Championship concludes on Saturday 23^rd April at the bet365 Jump Finale at Sandown Park.