Jockey brian Hughes hoping for a july start over the sticks Andrew Nelis

Champion jockey Brian Hughes is back riding out as he awaits the start of the new jumps season.

Racing has been suspended in Britain since March 17 due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the National Hunt action currently scheduled to return on July 1.

Hughes has been keeping himself fit during the enforced lay-off and has recently returned to riding out.

He told VBET: “I’ve obviously been in lockdown for six weeks and didn’t leave the house. We live in the countryside, though, so it hasn’t been too bad to keep busy.

“Over the last few weeks, I’ve also been able to get back riding out again.

“I’ve also been able to maintain my fitness by running every morning and doing the programme that Danny Hague, from Jack Berry House, has set us out to keep me fit and relatively in shape.

“I’m really looking forward to July, when jumps racing will hopefully resume. It’s been the longest break I’ve ever had in my career, but, obviously, there’s greater things going on around the world.

“Hopefully everyone remains fit and healthy.”

Hughes was announced the 2019-20 champion jumps jockey in early April and he hopes to mount a good defence of his title in the coming campaign.

He added: “I can’t wait until the start of the jumps season – let’s hope we have a similar run of luck and I’m competitive in the championship.”

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