Horse Racing News: Richard Hughes Captures English Jockey Title For Third Consecutive Year

Horse racing jockey Richard Hughes is set to capture the English jockey title for a third consecutive time after his closest rival, Ryan Moore, announced that he will no longer be riding in Britain this year due to an injury. The win completes a come from behind victory for the 41-year-old jockey who trailed Moore much of the season after suffering a bad fall in Dubai last March.

The Irishman was ecstatic with the win despite suffering a serious injury March 29, when his horse crashed through a rail and threw him over the top. The bad fall almost cost him the year as he was initially projected to be out for three months. Thanks to a speedy recovery he went back in April and is on his way to win the title by mid-November, largely in part due to Moore's absence, his closest rival.

Three-time champion Moore's withdrawal comes as a bit of a surprise, yet it remains true to his statement that the rider is prioritising big races around the world. Moore raced Hillstar to the finish line first in the Canadian International Sunday just less than 24 hours after racing in Ascot for Champion's Day. He was supposed to ride in Lingfield Tuesday but chose against it after not feeling well.

Moore's agent, Tony Hind, revealed that his ward chose not to participate in Britain's races because he was feeling under the weather. Because of this, Moore called him during the day and told him he is taking a pass and instead would be participating in the Cox Plate this weekend at Australia. If everything goes as planned, Moore will head on to America next for the Breeder's Cup then back again to the Land Down under for the Melbourne Cup.

Despite Moore's withdrawal, Hughes was still beaming that he got the crown. "It means more to me than Ryan, but to be champion jockey for a third time is great," Hughes said according to BBC Sport. "It feels sweet after the doctor told me I could out for months when I was injured in Dubai."