RICHARD Hughes has clinched his third successive UK Jockeys Championship, crowned after the meeting at Doncaster on Saturday.

Hughes, who was injured at Meydan in March and had some ground to make up on Ryan Moore, gradually rode himself into contention and came back to the front on October 1.

Richard Hughes, among the greats of racing.

Hughes, 41, said: “It’s been a long year, hard work, but it’s paid off. I wouldn’t ride winners if it wasn’t for Richard Hannon. It was a seamless transition to Richard jnr. It’s great to be part of it and I wish him all the luck in the future.

“I have to approach next year as I have this. I need to to get motivated. I’ll be going to Dubai for a spell in February.”

Hughes’ Gr1 One highlights during another superb season included Toronado in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, speed queen Tiggy Wiggy in the Cheveley Park and star Irish sprinter Sole Power in the King’s Stand and the Nunthorpe.

Hannon ensured a seamless transition in taking over the licence from his father, Richard snr, to ensure the Champion Trainer’s crown stayed at Herridge.

The trainer said: “It’s been a great year and we’ve a lot of good horses to look forward to as well. We’ve had Olympic Glory and Toronado, who both won Gr1s this year. We’ve got a lot of good horses such as Ivawood and Estidhkaar and others for next year.”

Graham Lee led the way for northern-based riders, booting home 129 winners and finishing third overall behind Hughes and Moore.

Oisin Murphy came out best in the battle for the champion apprentice title as he prepares to take on the high-profile role of second jockey to Sheikh Fahad’s Qatar Racing operation next season.

Top owner was Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, thanks in no small part to Taghrooda’s performances in the Oaks and King George and Mukhadram in the Eclipse.