Hughes may get a Yorkshire punch

Richard Hughes is on standby to ride Persian Punch in Thursday’s Merewood Homes Yorkshire Cup if regular partner Richard Quinn is claimed by his boss Henry Cecil.

Quinn has ridden Persian Punch in five of his last six races, including when the pair chased home Give Notice in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot earlier this month.

However, the Scotsman may well be needed for Cecil’s Year Two Thousand in Thursday’s Group Two feature.

Persian Punch’s handler, David Elsworth, said: ‘‘Richard Hughes will ride Persian Punch in the enforced absence of Richard Quinn, who may well be required by Mr Cecil.

‘‘Hughes has won on the horse before so it’s not a great problem.’’

Persian Punch has failed to land the Yorkshire Cup in three previous attempts, but Elsworth is bullish over his prospects this time.

He added: ‘‘Persian Punch is in very good form and he’s really up for it. He’s been unlucky in the race before and looks wonderful at the moment.’’