Brian Hughes finally set to get his hands on champion jump jockeys' trophy

In the week National Hunt racing resumed in the north after a four-month break, the region's first champion jump jockey for 40 years is finally set to receive his trophy.

Brian Hughes beat four-time title-holder Richard Johnson by 141 winners to 122 in the curtailed 2019-20 season, becoming the first northern-based rider to top the jumps table since Jonjo O'Neill in 1979-80.

He has received his prize-money, but the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic mean he has not yet been presented with his trophy.

The traditional showpiece end-of-season meeting at Sandown, where all awards are made, 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.

Brian Hughes: rode 141 winners in 2019-20Credit: Edward Whitaker

That has now been completed and Hughes is due to receive the prize later this week.

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

Naomi Lawson, from official marketing and promotional body Great British Racing, said: "Champion jump jockeys are all crowned at Sandown and it's important that Brian has his moment in the sun and is celebrated in front of a crowd and his weighing-room colleagues.

"That has happened in every previous year and neither we nor Sandown wanted him to miss out on that formal presentation."

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

More to read:

It's official: Brian Hughes crowned champion jockey for the first time

Brian Hughes interview: top jockey had to wait at the gates of heaven but title can never be taken away

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