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I’m sure many of you will have guessed what I’m about to say just from reading the title of this thread, but I shall proceed with falcon-like focus regardless.
Here he is, on board the well backed 5/2 favourite Alfresco, in a Kempton handicap which isn’t all that competitive (so much so I lowered myself to the level of ‘fun’ betting, backing Will He Wish in third). A furlong out he’s absolutely motionless, stuck behind a wall of horses, seemingly waiting for the split to charge to victory. The gap comes, somewhat fortunately, and he gives the horse 200 yards to quicken and make up 2l on the leader. Perhaps it was silly of me to expect some sort of effort in the finish – I mean he’s only a jockey, they can’t be expected to do too much can they – but he only concedes that the whip is required twice, and only in the last 50 yards, where it makes as near as much no difference. Even accounting for the fact that the eventual winner showed a bit of grit (see what a jockey is for now, Richard?) you want to see a horse given a chance.
He did exactly the same on Most Definitely at Kempton on Wednesday, and even with the exaggerated waiting tactics that horse seemingly requires (an excuse which can’t be used for Alfresco), Hughes never had it in a position to challenge properly.
Is he just counting the days until somebody gives him a decent run in National Hunt racing, or is he just the same useless pilot he’s become in the last couple of seasons?
Bee in your bonnet tonight, LGR?
Alfresco looked to have every chance to go past to me…..
The fact that he traded at 1.03 for chunks suggests that he had his chance. I had a very big bet on him at 4/1 btw so I’m not pocket talking.
How did I know you wouldn’t agree with me, Smithy
I find bonnets a little too flimsy in windy conditions so I don’t tend to wear them these days, as such my bee is free to fly about however he so chooses.
If I talk through my pocket I am happy to admit it, but in this case he’s just had (another) nightmare ride in my book and I’m just in the mood for another Hughes bashing session…I haven’t partaken for a while and frankly the withdrawal symptoms are too much to bear.
Maybe Nicorette have a plan I can go on…
Don’t get me wrong LGR – I think the bloke is over-rated. However, in this instance, and with serial non-finder Most Definitely, I am not sure what anyone else would/could/should have done.
found it a profitable tactic to back richard hughes on a strong favourite before the off and lay him immediatelyfor a point less in running…works almost everytime
Hi LGR
I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a long time for the jumps ride Richard Hannon has banned him from riding over the sticksWhen was that Kent?
He has been riding over hurdles quite recently.
Welcome to The Racing Forum by the way.
Colin
I didn’t have a problem with his ride on Alfresco,the horse was close enough if good enough.
His failure to ride out Davids Mark for third in an earlier race,now that was a different matter.
Most Definitely can at best be described as a ‘character’ so again no blame attached on that one.Letsgetracing, your reference to Nicorette reminded me of the way my brother-in-law used answer telephone calls, when he worked in London for a similar outfit called Nicobrevin, many years ago.
He said when he picked up the receiver he’d pretend he was bursting into a terrible coughing fit, eventually gasping into the mouth-piece whatever his customary spiel was. I really believe him, too. He got the sack.
It’s no exaggeration to say that had he wanted to be a famous comedian, he would have been at least as funny as Robin Williams.
When was that Kent?
He has been riding over hurdles quite recently.
Welcome to The Racing Forum by the way. 8)
Hi Seabird
Thanks . It was in the Post a few days agoWasn’t it the K Abdulla retainer that ‘banned’ him from riding over hurdles?
Perhaps he’s allowed the choice now he’s lost that position.
To give the guy credit, it was a peach of a ride on Seneschal. Though anyone that backed that horse at Southwell in the week is entitled to feel aggrieved that it was held up on it’s fibresand debut but was reverted to the tactics that clearly suit him best there.
In the interests of balance, he far from excelled there on Faithful Ruler, certainly allowing the winner and runner-up to get first run on him, though it could be argued the horse still had every chance if good enough after.
Hughes is one of several riders who regularly arouse negative comment on this and other websites.
Whilst he wouldn’t be my first choice to ride for my life, perhaps his riding style gives an impression that his mounts are going better than they are and exacerbates his mistakes.
Also, perhaps we shouldn’t be over judgmental of riders’ performances on the AW in mid winter. Many of these horses are slow and ungenuine and racing for peanuts in what used to be called banded races. A few years ago these horses would have been plying their trade in modest hurdles or not made the grade as racehorses.Hughes is one of several riders who regularly arouse negative comment on this and other websites.
Whilst he wouldn’t be my first choice to ride for my life, perhaps his riding style gives an impression that his mounts are going better than they are and exacerbates his mistakes.That’s a great point Lingfield, I’ve screamed at the TV many times regarding Hughes, but could never work out why(apart from the fact that I had money on his mount) you’ve made me think
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