Jockey-turned-trainer Hughes strengthens Goodwood links

The Goodwood Racehorse Owners’ Group will have a horse in training with Richard Hughes for the 2016 flat season.
Richard Hughes in the Hampshire countryside, where he will train the new GROG coltRichard Hughes in the Hampshire countryside, where he will train the new GROG colt
Richard Hughes in the Hampshire countryside, where he will train the new GROG colt

GROG are looking to purchase a horse from the yearling sales, which will be sent to Hughes’ new base in Hampshire.

GROG already own Goodwood Zodiac, who will continue to be trained by West Sussex handler William Knight after a successful 2015 campaign as a two-year-old that included two wins.

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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.

“With Goodwood Zodiac, trained by William Knight, to savour as a very promising three-year-old for next year, our members can look forward to experiencing ownership with Richard Hughes, whose name is of course synonymous with Goodwood, in his first full season.

“William has done a terrific job with Goodwood Zodiac this year and he will continue to train him next year.

“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 and take in the breath-taking set up where Richard is embarking upon his training career at Stockbridge.”

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

He said: “I am very happy to be training a horse for the Goodwood Racehorse Owners’ Group ahead of next season. 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.”

GROG are accepting new members at present and there are a number of benefits to joining.

Brown said: “Members will have a busy year in 2016 if they choose to participate in our full schedule of events. There is a tour to Cape Town in January, a combined trip to St Moritz in February to be shared with Horseracing Club members, several inclusive events on Goodwood’s magnificent estate, including a forum at the Goodwood Hotel, and racing in Berlin in August.

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“If you throw in with this two horses to follow throughout the season, GROG quickly becomes a very social group to be involved with.”

Contact GROG via www.goodwood.com/horse-racing/racehorse-ownership

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