Brian Hughes makes course history as Richmond Lake sails home

Wetherby made a presentation to mark Brian Hughes's achievementCredit: David Carr

Saturday: Wetherby

Brian Hughes became the first jockey to ride 100 winners at Wetherby when landing the 1m7f chase on 5-2 favourite Richmond Lake.

He was seen at his best in getting the once-raced chaser home in a field of experienced handicappers for Donald McCain, in the colours of the late Trevor Hemmings.

The champion jockey had been on the verge of three figures since a double at the course's opening meeting of the season in October took him to 99.

After reaching the landmark, he joked: "I should have done it on the first day of the season, I fell on one one who might have won."

To mark his unique achievement, Hughes was presented with an inscribed ice bucket in the shape of a jockey's helmet cap and a bottle of champagne by Wetherby chief executive Jonjo Sanderson.

He moved to Britain from Ireland in 2005 and rode the first of his 100 course winners on December 3 of that year as a 5lb claimer with Howard Johnson, landing a 2m handicap on Bob Justice in the colours of Andrea and Graham Wylie.

Brian Hughes: 'I had a winner quite early on here when I first came over, on Bob Justice, and I've always had a bit of luck round here'Credit: David Carr

"I had a winner quite early on here when I first came over, on Bob Justice, and I've always had a bit of luck round here."

McCain was quick to salute Hughes's achievement and said: "It's testament to Brian, we all know how hard he works. He's at the top of his profession and he works his socks off. It's not a coincidence that he rides so many winners."

Another century

Nathan Moscrop reached his own landmark when riding the 100th winner of his career on Piaff Bubbles in the novice handicap hurdle for Rebecca Menzies.

He paid tribute to the trainer and said: "She's been a massive help, that's my 53rd winner for her and she's been a big supporter."