RYEDALE-BASED Brian Hughes has been crowned Stobart Northern Jump Jockey of the Year for a second consecutive year.

The Ulsterman, whose partnership with Malton trainer Malcolm Jefferson has been notably successful, has eclipsed his nearest rivals after riding 133 winners at the contributing tracks - a remarkable 87 clear of Henry Brooke in second place.

He had ridden a total of 143 winners nationwide – 40-plus more than his previous best season - and will finish second to Richard Johnson in the overarching Champion Jump Jockey leaderboard.

Hughes, 31, said of his achievement: “I’m delighted to have won the award.

"I have been very lucky to get some great opportunities riding in the north and have the support of some brilliant trainers and owners, in particular Malcolm Jefferson who has some high class horses that I am fortunate to ride.

"I also have to thank my agent Richard Hale who works so hard to get me these opportunities.

"I am delighted I can pay everyone back for the trust they put in me by riding winners and hopefully I can continue the momentum into next season.”

Hughes has ridden for 106 different trainers this season - a testament to his popularity - but it is his partnership with Jefferson that has been the most fruitful, delivering 36 winners from 160 rides at a strike rate of 23 per cent.

The 15 racecourses included in the Northern Jump Jockey of the Year Award are Aintree, Ayr, Carlisle, Cartmel, Catterick, Doncaster, Haydock, Hexham, Kelso, Market Rasen, Musselburgh, Newcastle, Perth, Sedgefield and Wetherby.