Hughes Makes History with 2,000th British Winner at Perth

Brian Hughes celebrated a landmark afternoon at a sold-out Perth as the three-time champion jockey rode his 2,000th winner in Britain aboard Aberdeenshire-owned Dolly Dior in the Malcolm Group Handicap Hurdle.

Hughes, who had already tasted success earlier on the card aboard Try Them, joined one of jump racing’s most exclusive clubs, with only A P McCoy, Richard Johnson and Ruby Walsh having previously reached the remarkable milestone.

“It’s tremendous and I’m grateful for all the support I’ve had over the years,” said Hughes, who boasts three-figure winner totals at all three jump tracks north of the border.

“Compared with a lot of other people I’ve been lucky with injuries along the way until I broke my leg last season.

“I’m getting my fitness back to a good level and I’m not going anywhere in the near future. Hopefully I’ve got a few seasons left in me yet.”

There was also plenty to celebrate for Fern O’Brien and Chris Gordon as the pair recorded their first Perth successes when Nap Hand landed the feature Scone Estates Stone Of Destiny Handicap Hurdle.

Winning Winchester trainer Gordon said: “The owners and myself flew up from Southampton and we’ve had a fabulous day! We got this horse from Alan King and I’m not surprised he’s turned the form around from Cartmel as he nearly fell at one point.”

Mike Smith was another trainer with good reason to smile after Follow Charlie continued his fine record at the track by recording a third Perth victory under Murray Dodd in the IM Group Handicap Hurdle.

“He’s also won three times at Ayr and he’s won over two miles too,” the Galston handler reported. “I thought two miles was short enough for him last time but he proved us wrong and he’s clearly in great order – he’ll come back here before the jumping starts again at Ayr.”

The closing stages of the QuinnBet Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase produced another exciting finish as Nick Schofield-trained Glen To Glen and Kielan Woods swooped late to score by a length and a quarter from the trailblazing Ras Kassar.

“He came from Joseph O’Brien and he’s settled in and acclimatised well,” the winning jockey said. “I know he was a little novicey in Ireland but he jumped great today. He’s also enjoyed the ground and the course is in great condition.”