CHAMPION jockey Richard Hughes took his first steps into racing on the highly competitive Irish pony racing circuit back in the 1980s and he has no doubt that the experience he gathered there stood him in good stead as he progressed through the ranks to become one of the leading jockeys in the world.

As Hughes embarks on a new training career next season, and as a means of giving something back, he has decided to provide an exciting new incentive for today’s young pony racing riders. He will offer the top two riders from this year’s The Irish Field National Riders’ Championship an expenses paid visit to his new training establishment next year where they can ride-out, receive tuition and advice to help them on the road to becoming a professional jockey. Hughes will also offer them the opportunity to take up a position as an apprentice jockey in his stable should they wish to follow that path.