Why red-hot Brian Hughes is likely to miss out on the Cheltenham Festival again

Brian Hughes has accepted he might again have to miss the Cheltenham Festival as he doesn't yet have a single horse to ride at the meeting, but he is looking forward to potentially making amends on a strong Donald McCain team at Aintree.

The runaway leader in the jockeys' championship was speaking to the Racing Post for a major interview in Sunday's newspaper, reflecting on the extraordinary campaign that this week saw him pass 150 winners for the first time as well as a whirlwind couple of years that saw him claim his first title in unique circumstances before losing the crown at the death to Harry Skelton last season.

However, the fact Hughes missed the Cheltenham Festival last year was criticised in some quarters, something the prolific jockey addressed.

"I know people give out and say he doesn't go to Cheltenham but the reality last year was that I didn't have a ride. I had one ride booked for the whole meeting!" said Hughes.

Brian Hughes: 'Every winner gives me a kick and I'm always thinking of the next one'Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"I'd love to go down there for rides with good chances but all of those good yards have a lot of good jockeys to ride them. I have no divine right to any of that.

"But going down there for 100-1 shots doesn't make me tick to be honest. I'd love to be winning the Grand National and Gold Cup but you need a good horse."

In contrast, Hughes said: "I want to be champion jockey and ride more winners than anybody else – that's what makes me tick. I want winners no matter if they are sellers or Grade 1s. Every winner gives me a kick and I'm always thinking of the next one. I know people like riding big winners, as do I, but I just like riding winners every day."

Hughes is again more likely to be at Sedgefield and Doncaster than Prestbury Park during festival week in March, but he is pleased with the team McCain is planning to send to Aintree the following month.

"As sad as it sounds, there's genuinely not one horse that I know I've got the ride on at Cheltenham," he added. "Where Donald's yard is, owners like going to Aintree and I could tell you a good handful that are going there. Sooner rather than later we'll hopefully unearth one of those good horses."

Read more from Brian Hughes in the Big Read, available online for Members' Club Ultimate subscribers from 6pm on Saturday or in Sunday's Racing Post newspaper. Click here to sign up.

Read these next:

Brian Hughes breaks 150 winners for the first time after fantastic four-timer

'He'll ride anything, like AP' – agent determined to push Brian Hughes to 200

Over 50% off Racing Post Members' Club!Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Select 'Get Ultimate Monthly' and enter code TRYME to get your first month for just £14.99* – that's better than half price!

Subscribe now

If you decide that Members' Club is not for you, then you can cancel at anytime by contacting us.

*Members' Club Ultimate Monthly first month will be charged at £14.99, renews at full price thereafter