Hughes still favourite to be top rider

RICHARD Hughes remains the bookies’ favourite to end Royal Ascot 2009 as the leading rider – despite Johnny Murtagh drawing level on the second day of the meeting.

Hughes booted home a treble on the opening afternoon while Murtagh managed a solitary winner.

However, the Ballydoyle number one scored aboard Forgotten Voice in the Royal Hunt Cup and Spacious in the Windsor Forest Stakes to ensure he and Hughes are level on three winners apiece heading into day three.