Brian Hughes finally gets hands on champion jockey trophy - and vows to keep it

Brian Hughes has been presented with his 2019-20 champion jumps jockey trophy in a surprise home visit by former weighing room colleague and Sky Sports presenter Mick Fitzgerald.

Three months after what should have been the end-of-season presentation to the champion at the bet365 Gold Cup day at Sandown in April, Hughes got his hands on the sparkling silver trophy and is in no mood to give it back.

Hughes, who has ridden four winners in the first month of the new season, said: "I will be doing all I can to keep my hands on the trophy this season.

"It's great to get my hands on it, I was gobsmacked when I saw Mick Fitzgerald at my door with the trophy – I didn't expect it at all.

"I had a fantastic season last year; it is a dream come true to be champion jump jockey and I cannot thank enough all the trainers, owners, stable staff and my family who have continued to support me."

Brian Hughes and Richard Johnson during their duel for the 2019-20 jockeys' titleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Hughes ended the run of four-time title-holder Richard Johnson thanks to a winning margin of 19 – 141 winners to 122 – in the curtailed 2019-20 season, becoming the first northern-based rider to top the table since Jonjo O'Neill in 1979-80.

He has received his prize-money but the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the trophy presentation, which was finally arranged by Great British Racing and Sky Sports Racing.

The traditional showpiece end-of-season meeting at Sandown, where all awards are given out, was lost among the total shutdown of racing, and lockdown restrictions meant the trophy could not be picked up. Workplace limitations then delayed its engraving.

There will be a more formal presentation and celebration of his achievement at a jumps meeting at Sandown this autumn.

The other champions – trainer Nicky Henderson, conditional jockey Jonjo O'Neill jnr and owner JP McManus – will also be honoured at the presentation ceremony. The date will be finalised when the autumn fixture list is published.

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