Hughes to join GROG team

Richard Hughes is to train for the Goodwood Racehorse Owners Group in 2016.

GROG - as the group is known - is currently looking to purchase a horse from the yearling sales, which will be sent to Hughes' new base in Hampshire.

GROG currently owns Goodwood Zodiac, who will continue to be trained by West Sussex handler William Knight after a successful 2015 campaign that included two wins.

Gail Brown, Racing Manager for GROG said: "We have had another strong season, it is incredibly difficult to buy just one horse a year and end up with a dual winning two-year-old. I am delighted for everyone and this has further strengthened our already impressive statistics.

"The addition of a second trainer will give GROG membership a huge boost and enhance the experience for members, who will be able to watch their horse work on turf at the breathtaking set-up where Richard is embarking upon his training career at Stockbridge."

Richard Hughes rode 171 winners at Goodwood during a riding career that saw him crowned champion jockey three times. He was the leading rider at the Glorious meeting on four occasions and retired from race-riding on the final day of this year's Qatar Goodwood Festival.

He said: " I was fortunate to have a great deal of success at Goodwood as a jockey and it is exciting to be training a horse for the owners there now. Hopefully I can enjoy many more winning days at the track and I am very grateful for the opportunity."