'Just make sure it's a bloody good horse' - presenter Chris Hughes honours football legend Brian Clough with first runner

Reality TV personality Chris Hughes has become an owner in his own right for the first time – but he had to get permission from a famous football family to name his two-year-old colt.

Clough is set to make his debut for Hughes and Newmarket trainer Dylan Cunha this month, with his name approved by legendary manager Brian Clough's sons Nigel and Simon. 

In his role as Coral ambassador, Hughes fronts up the bookmaker's racing club, but Clough will be the first horse to run under his name.

"I've bought him with my best friend Matt Broughton and he's a really nice horse," said Hughes. "Matt's a Forest fan and I'm a Sunderland fan and we were thinking of names with a mutual connection and came up with Clough, as Brian Clough was a bit of a Sunderland legend and a Forest legend. 

"To get it signed off by the BHA, we had to get it approved by members of the Clough family. The two sons were delighted and said they'll come down and watch him one day. But they said there was one condition – they said, 'Our old man would have said, just make sure it's a bloody good horse'." 

Chris Hughes's new horse Clough could make his debut at Yarmouth

The ITV Racing presenter is a jumps fan at heart but is looking forward to the excitement of ownership on the Flat.

"I grew up with jump racing and my dad had horses, but I like Flat racing," he said. "There was an opportunity there to buy a horse with Dylan, who I know well. I've ridden out there a few times and Newmarket is an interesting place."

Clough, who will sport the colours of Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, is in line to make his debut at Yarmouth on Tuesday week.

"It'll be an educational run as he's going to be a middle-distance horse, so he'll run more strongly as a three-year-old," said Hughes.

"He's a lovely looking animal who moves well. He'll run in red and white stripes with a red cap, so you won't miss him. It's exciting."

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