Hughes, Hannon Crowned Champions

HUGHES, HANNON CROWNED CHAMPIONS 
Jockey Richard Hughes was officially crowned Britain’s champion jockey for the third successive year yesterday at Doncaster, while his retainer, Richard Hannon, earned a first champion trainer title in his debut year as head trainer. 
Hughes endured a delayed start to his European campaign this year after being injured in Dubai on the Mar. 29 World Cup Card, but he gradually reeled in the front-running Ryan Moore throughout the year. Hughes’ championship treble was sealed when Moore opted to bypass the end of the British season in favor of overseas targets. Group 1 victories for Hughes this year included the G1 Queen Anne S. at Royal Ascot with Toronado (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}), the G1 Cheveley Park S. with Tiggy Wiggy (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), and the G1 King’s Stand S. and G1 Nunthorpe S. with Sole Power (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}). The former pair are trained by Hannon. 

“It’s been a long year, hard work but it’s paid off,” Hughes said. “I wouldn’t ride winners if it wasn’t for Richard Hannon. It was a seamless transition to Richard Jr. It’s great to be part of it and I wish him all the luck in the future. I have to approach next year as I have this. I need to to get motivated. I’ll be going to Dubai for a spell in February.” 

Hannon added, “It’s been a great year and we have a lot of good horses to look forward to as well. We’ve had Olympic Glory and Toronado, who both won Group 1s this year. The regret, or the disappointing bit of the season, was we never got Sky Lantern back to what she was. She was a very special filly to me and I was a big part of her build-up. We’ve got a lot of good horses such as Ivawood and Estidhkaar and others for next year.” 

Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum was Britain’s leading owner. Counted amongst his highlights was Taghrooda (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire})’s G1 Investec Oaks and G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. wins, and Mukhadram (GB) (Shamardal)’s G1 Coral-Eclipse victory.