Hughes gave his all in his bid to land the title for the first time, even rejecting the ride on his beloved Pace Boy in the Breeders’ Cup Mile to give himself one final chance of catching Hanagan in the concluding two days of the season. The contest was made even more exciting by the fact the racing tips suggested Hughes had no chance of catching his rival after missing a large part of the season through injury.
In the end, he failed to beat Hanagan by just two winners but in the process has now collected a full month of bans, his initial suspension between 16-29 November now being supplemented by a further 19-day ban through to December 14. Four days of the most recent ban have been deferred for six months.
Hughes is not a stick-happy jockey and some may view his suspensions as have been somewhat excessive. However, it has been pointed out that Hanagan rode a great deal more horses during the course of the season and incurred far fewer suspensions. After visiting the BHA, Hughes reportedly commented that he felt he hadn’t been given a fair hearing and that the ban had left a bitter taste. It’s certainly news that will disappoint those looking for racing tips for today.
Doubtless Hughes is disappointed after giving it his all and illuminating much of the season for Flat race fans, but the memories of his nine winners at Glorious Goodwood and heady days aboard Canford Cliffs, Dick Turpin, Pace Boy among many others this year, will keep him warm through the winter and prepared to give it another shot when the new season comes around at Doncaster in March.
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