Champion Jockey Brian Hughes has stated that he is back riding out and ready for the return of jumps racing to Britain so he can look to defend his title after seeing off Richard Johnson last term.
Racing has now been suspended in Britain since March 17th and in a recent address t the nation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that we will have to wait until at least June before we see horses back on the track.
However, for jumps racing fans it will be slightly longer with the return of racing over obstacles not set to return until July 1st, but Hughes has been keeping himself fit during the enforced lay-off and has recently returned to riding out.
(Credit At The Races) The rider said: “I’ve obviously been in lockdown for six weeks and didn’t leave the house. We live in the countryside, though, so it hasn’t been too bad to keep busy.
“Over the last few weeks, I’ve also been able to get back riding out again.
“I’ve also been able to maintain my fitness by running every morning and doing the programme that Danny Hague, from Jack Berry House, has set us out to keep me fit and relatively in shape.
“I’m really looking forward to July, when jumps racing will hopefully resume. It’s been the longest break I’ve ever had in my career, but, obviously, there’s greater things going on around the world.“Hopefully everyone remains fit and healthy.”
Hughes landed his first ever jockeys championship back in April and is hoping that he can get himself off to another quick start when the season returns.
He added: “I can’t wait until the start of the jumps season – let’s hope we have a similar run of luck and I’m competitive in the championship.”