Ban woe for Hughes

Hughes was suspended in February for reportedly not riding to instructions, an offence that is not punishable under British rules, and he turned to the BHA after failing to get the ban overturned in India.

The Irishman will not be able to compete in Britain until April 30 – when the Mumbai season has ended – and his odds of a first domestic title were lengthened.

Hughes said: “I’ve been denied. I’m a bit disappointed, but I don’t have any reasons for the decision yet.”

The ban has already been in force through Indian fixtures but covers the remaining 15 Mumbai meetings, so Hughes will not be able to take part at the first British Turf meeting at Doncaster on Saturday or even the Dubai World Cup on the same afternoon.

Hughes had not decided whether he would investigate any further legal options and replied: “I’d have to see the reasons first.”

The 39-year-old has been spending winters in India for much of his career and has enjoyed huge success recently, winning all four Classics on the filly Jacqueline through late 2009 and early 2010.

However, he has had a troubled period in the subcontinent this time around as in January he was given a lengthy suspension in ’foul riding’, but was partially successful in an appeal as the ban was changed to a fine.

It looks to be the end of his relationship with the country, as he said after the hearing at the BHA’s headquarters in London: “I won’t be going back. I’m not sure what I’ll do now. What can you do apart from riding out and getting them ready for everyone else?”

Hughes has never won the British title but pushed Paul Hanagan all the way to the last day of the season in 2010.

With the firepower of the Richard Hannon stable behind him, he remains relaxed about his prospects, explaining recently he would see where he was positioned in the middle of the summer before deciding whether to start taking more outside rides and appear at other minor meetings.

Coral and Stan James pushed his title odds out to 11-2 from 7-2 and 4-1 respectively.