Champion jockey Hughes to retire at end of season
Three-time defending champion flat jockey Richard Hughes has followed jump champion AP McCoy's example and announced he will retire at the end of the upcoming season. The 42-year-old Irishman intends to take on a new challenge of training, his retaining trainer Richard Hannon announced on Wednesday. Hughes -- son of late top Irish national hunt trainer Dessie -- believes according to Hannon it is the right time to make the switch. "Hughesie will be going all out to ride as many winners for us this season, but he is very excited about his new venture," Hannon told his website. "Training is something that Hughesie has always wanted to do, and he has been in Newmarket this week doing his modules. "He feels that this is the right time for him to switch, and we look forward to being rivals on the track next year and also at the bloodstock sales in the autumn." Hughes, who successfully battled alcoholism, has ridden winners all over the world -- including several big winners in India -- and in both codes. Among the big winners he has ridden include the 1998 Irish Champion Hurdle on Collier Bay and four mainstream classics including in 2013 the 1000 Guineas with Sky Lantern and the Epsom Oaks on Talent. For the upcoming season Hughes has live contenders for the English 2000 and 1000 Guineas in Ivawood and Tiggy Wiggy respectively.
