Brian Hughes relishing title celebrations as he closes in on 200 winners

Brian Hughes will be taking a large travelling party south to the jumps season finale at Sandown on Saturday as he is officially anointed champion jockey.

The northern-based rider was denied his moment of glory when winning his first title two years ago because of the pandemic, but will be able to lift the trophy in front of a packed crowd this time around.

Never one to bask in the limelight, Hughes views the occasion as an opportunity to give something back to the team around him.

"It will be great to go down there and my family will get a good kick out of it, there are plenty coming over from Ireland and my wife and kids will be there," he said.

"I get a lot of support from them and they enable me to do my job every day, quite selfishly really, as all I have to think about is racing. In a way, a day out at Sandown will be as much for my family as it is for me."

Brian Hughes received his 2019-20 champion jockey trophy at home during lockdownCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

As the entries for Saturday were unveiled on Monday, Hughes was booked for four rides, including Malystic in the bet365 Celebration Chase and Nuts Well in the bet365 Oaksey Chase (2.25).

"Donald [McCain] has entries down there and my agent will be doing his best to get me on rides," he said. "There are a couple rides there, but I don't know exactly what's definitely running."

It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Hughes could ride his 200th winner of the season on the last day – and emulate Sir Anthony McCoy, Richard Johnson and Peter Scudamore – although he is hoping to have that target wrapped up before then.

The 36-year-old, who has passed Tom Scudamore this season to become the most prolific jump jockey still riding in Britain, got to 197 with a winner at Fakenham on Monday and has a typically strong book of rides at Sedgefield on Tuesday.

Speaking before Monday's fixture at Fakenham, he said: "It's been giving me something to get the bit between my teeth with and I'd like to get it over the line.

"I might never get into this position again as I've had a lot of things go my way this season. Donald's horses are in great form and other people I ride for have been in great shape and we've not missed too many meetings with the weather. I've got some good rides this week and hopefully it's achievable."

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