Hughes Crowned Flat Jockey

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Richard Hughes was officially crowned champion Flat jockey for 2012 amid celebrations at Doncaster on Saturday.

The 39-year-old finished the season with 172 winners to claim his first title, ahead of Silvestre de Sousa (131) and William Buick (123).

Ryan Moore was fourth in an injury-hit campaign with Paul Hanagan, winner for the last two years, in fifth place.

Hughes said: "I'd have walked here today if I'd had to. It's a privilege to be champion."

Having narrowly missed out on the title to Hanagan on the final day of the season in 2010, he added: "It's a great feeling, much better than being runner-up."

Receiving the trophy before being hoisted on the shoulders of his weighing-room colleagues topped off a memorable season during which Hughes won seven out of eight races at Windsor last month at odds of 10,168-1.

But he was quick to point out that his relationship with trainer Richard Hannon, for whom he rode multiple winners Libranno, Havana Gold and Toronado, had been crucial to his success.

"I had 100 winners for Richard alone, which shows how good a trainer he is," added Hughes.

"If I had to single out one day it would have to be at Windsor when I had those seven winners. I had the title tied up by then."

His proud father, top trainer Dessie Hughes, added: "I never thought it would happen, but it has at last. He's worked really hard for it and he's finally done it."

Amy Ryan broke new ground as she became the first female rider to win the champion apprentice title outright.

Her nearest rival, Darren Egan, saw his challenge ended when he broke his collarbone in a fall at Wolverhampton in October.

Ryan said: "I never imagined I'd be in this position. I've ridden some good horses and been very lucky. It's nice to ride on the big days."

John Gosden took his first trainers' title, while Sheikh Mohammed'sGodolphin operation claimed the leading owner crown for the eighth time.

Jockey Franny Norton dominated the final day of the Flat racing season in the saddle, claiming a big-priced double that included a 20-1 success in the featured (Betfred) November Handicap on Art Scholar.

In the National Hunt action at Sandown, Overturn led all the way to win the Beginners' Chase.

The 3-10 favourite, ridden by Jason Maguire, jumped fluently from the off and finished 14 lengths clear of second-placed Thanks For Coming.

Bookmaker reaction was swift, with William Hill cutting the gelding to 10-1 from 12s for the Arkle at Cheltenham in March, behind 3-1 favourite Simonsig.

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• Apprentice title leader Amy Ryan is the latest female jockey find
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Hughes Loses BHA India Appeal

Top jockey Richard Hughes has failed in his appeal to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to overturn a 50-day ban incurred in India.

Hughes was suspended in February for reportedly not riding to instructions in a race in Mumbai, an offence that is not punishable under British rules.

The BHA chose to recognise the ban and upheld that decision at an appeal.

The Irishman will not be able to compete in Britain until 30 April, when the Mumbai season finishes.

It has dented the 39-year-old's hopes of winning a first jockeys' championship.

Hughes missed a big victory at Newmarket on Wednesday when Esentepe won the Nell Gwyn Stakes.

The jockey said on Twitter that he was bemused by the ban, and disappointed not to win the appeal.

"I thought I could have confidence in the UK system on fairness," he said.

"BHA has backed an opinion that I did not let a horse run on its merits without any evidence."

Jamie Stier, the director of raceday operations and regulation for the BHA, said he felt some sympathy for Hughes but believed it was correct to uphold the suspension imposed by the Royal Western India Turf Club.

"We would like to register on record that we recognise the frustration felt by Richard Hughes about this episode," he said.

“Disappointed on losing appeal. Still don't know why I'm banned”Jockey Richard Hughes on Twitter

"The BHA stands behind the principle of reciprocity of penalties among recognised international racing bodies. Without reciprocity, there is a risk of there being no effective measures to deter visiting participants from breaching the rules of the respective authority.

"Similar applications to those lodged by Richard Hughes are, thankfully, few and far between.

"However, we will be looking to see if there are any lessons to learn that may assist the handling of such matters in the future."

Hughes spent winters in India for much of his career and enjoyed success there, winning all four Classics on the filly Jacqueline in 2009 and 2010.

However, he has vowed not to return after a troubled stay earlier in the year. In January he was given a lengthy suspension for "foul riding", which was reduced to a fine on appeal.

Hughes has never won the British title but pushed Paul Hanagan all the way to the last day of the season in 2010.

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