McCoy's philosophy finds disciple in Hughes

McCoy's phenomenal success can be attributed, in part, to the fact that he has never been satisfied with his achievements.

It is why he will begin the defence of his jockeys' championship tomorrow when the 2010-11 campaign begins at Wetherby and Ludlow. Holidays can wait.

"I will be a long time retired," said the 35-year-old after riding his 195th winner of the current campaign.

It is a mantra that is shared by Yorkshire-based Brian Hughes, one of a number of young riders who have enjoyed breakthrough seasons and have shown that they are ready to challenge the weighing room's established statesmen.

For while all the attention, justifiably, focused on McCoy – and how he ended his National jinx at the 15th attempt aboard the quirky Don't Push It – Hughes was reflecting upon his first victory over Aintree's obstacles less than 24 hours earlier.

The Irishman – a former champion conditional and stable jockey to Richmond trainer Alan Swinbank – was the beneficiary of a "dream spare" ride on Always Waining in the John Smith's Topham Trophy over the National course.

It was, perhaps, the most significant victory yet of Hughes's burgeoning career and he is grateful to Welsh trainer Peter Bowen for having faith in his abilities.

"To be honest, the horse was amazing," said the 24-year-old. "I was a pure passenger. It was a steering job. My agent Richard Hale rang me up and offered me the chance because he knew I could do the 10 stone weight, and it was brilliant.

"You don't even think about winning until you cross the Melling Road, and even then there's a long way to go to the winning line.

"It's not a misfortune to have had the win overshadowed by the National, not at all. No one can take this away from me – a win over the National course. It's what every jockey aspires to."

While Hughes's first ride in the National ended with Beat The Boys being pulled up, he is still buoyed by the occasion – "a just amazing experience, with all the build-up" – and the manner in which the world of sport united to salute McCoy's triumph.

Hughes said: "He's so dedicated. You like to see people like that do well. If you need any advice, he's the man. A true professional, but also a gentleman. No one begrudged him that win."

In many respects, Hughes – who grew up in South Armagh and would skip school to go hunting – shares many of the champion's single-minded qualities.

He does not drink and, while he notes his 450,000 of prize money this season is an improvement on last year, thanks to Always Waining, Tidal Bay's Cleeve Hurdle victory at Cheltenham and the Richard Fahey-trained Jo Jo Star landing Haydock's valuable Swinton Hurdle last May, his number of winners is slightly down.

Hughes wanted to eclipse last year's total of 50. He has instead ridden to 44 victories, sufficient to finish in the top 20 jockeys in the country.

While his strike-rate is the same – 10 per cent – he is reluctant to allow the prolonged winter freeze to be used as an excuse for finishing shy of his projected tally. He is also taking nothing for granted, despite his horsemanship being praised by former champions John Francome and Richard Dunwoody.

He intends continuing his association with the Swinbank and Fahey yards in Yorkshire, and all those trainers across the North who have supported his early career.

He may receive some opportunities to ride for County Durham trainer Howard Johnson, who is without a No 1 stable jockey after his recent split with Denis O'Regan. It includes the ride on Killyglen in today's Betfred 365 Gold Cup at Sandown, the season finale won so memorably by McCoy on Hennessy 12 months ago.

"I'm just going to keep my head down and ride for as many people who want me, and keep working away," explained Hughes.

"Of course, you want to ride in the big races down south – and hopefully my chance will come – but you get nothing without hard work."

The jockey spends each evening in front of his computer, trawling through the form book and poring over replays of his own rides.

His friend Paddy Brennan, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Imperial Commander, calls him "an anorak" because of this attention to detail.

When this epithet became public, Hughes's response was to say that it portrayed him as "the most boring man in racing".

He is nothing of the sort. He simply does not want to spend the latter years of his life reflecting on what might have been.

It is why Hughes, like the great McCoy, believes the racing authorities are right not to schedule a break between today's finale and the start of the new campaign.

Hughes will be in action at Wetherby tomorrow while the champion takes in Ludlow as he begins his title defence.

"If people want to take a holiday, take a holiday," said Hughes.

"If they want to win, go out and win – and that's what I'll be trying to do because I want to keep improving.

"You're a long time retired in this game."

Words that strikingly echoed those of the champion jockey.