Hot Hughes claims Bath four-timer

Richard Hughes’ quest to be crowned champion jockey received a significant boost as he completed a 251.5-1 four-timer at Bath yesterday.

Although he trailed home last of seven runners aboard outsider Lady Calantha in the opening contest of the afternoon, Hughes collected the next four races to cut the deficit on Ryan Moore to just three winners.

The rider firstly struck on 11-8 favourite Waspy in the Freebets.co.uk Freebets Handicap and doubled up on the Richard Hannon-trained 7-2 chance Dynastic in the Freebets.co.uk Free Mobile Betting Handicap.

Griffin Point (13-8 favourite) gave Hughes his third winner in the Freebets.co.uk Online Betting Handicap.

A fine afternoon’s work was completed when 8-1 shot Cockney Fire edged the Winning Post Fillies’ Handicap.

Hughes is now on 87 winners for the campaign after drawing a blank at Kempton last evening before doing a double shift at Brighton and Kempton today.

Ryan Moore has no booked rides until Sandown’s card on Thursday evening.

Hughes was, however, given a two-day suspension (August 21 and 25) after he had used his whip above the permitted level aboard Cockney Fire.