Advantage Hughes after treble gives him edge over title rival Johnson

Brian Hughes boosted his jockeys' title challenge with a treble at Newcastle and now sits three clear (114-111) of reigning champion Richard Johnson at the top of the standings.

Hughes's 114th winner of the season came on Teescomponentstrig in the 2m7½f handicap hurdle finale, with the Gillian Boanas-trained five-year-old bringing up the jockey's treble after earlier victories on Dunly and Clondaw Caitlin.

After Johnson drew a blank at Newcastle, Hughes was cut to as short as 8-13 for the title, with the four-time champion now a best-priced 6-5 to regain his crown.