Three-time British champion jockey Richard Hughes failed to sign off his stellar riding career with a fairytale victory in his final Group One engagement, the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood on Saturday.
The 42-year-old Irishman, a former alcoholic, finished unplaced on the John Gosden-trained Bright Approach.
Hughes, who is also due to quit smoking at the end of the meeting on Saturday honouring a pledge to his trainer father Dessie when he was dying late last year, is due to switch to training having taken a lease out on a stables in Stockbridge, Hampshire, England.
“I want to get the business up and running. I certainly want to become as big as possible and become champion trainer one day,” said Hughes, who rode 43 Group One winners with his first on Oasis Dream in 2003.
Among many paying tribute to Hughes – who was greeted before the first by a guard of honour of jockeys as he entered the parade ring – was Lester Piggott, widely regarded as the greatest jockey of all time.
“Having been a tall jockey myself I know only too well the challenges that Richard Hughes will have faced during his career,” said Piggott, known as the ‘Long Fellow’ during his career.
“Despite being as close to six foot as any Flat jockey would want to be, he has had an outstanding career.
“His style is elegant, his determination is steely and he is always so patient as a rider. It was a pleasure to watch him all these years,” added the 79-year-old.
At the business end of the race, Irish filly and 2/1 favourite Legatissimo eased home to add this Group One success – and the STG360,000 ($A770,220) first prize – to the opening classic of the season the 1000 Guineas for trainer David Wachman and owner Michael Tabor.
For jockey Wayne Lorcan it was a bonus win as he benefited from first choice rider Ryan Moore being off games with a sore neck.
Tabor also owned the second filly home in the Aidan O’Brien-trained Wedding Vow (10/1) with outsider Arabian Queen third at 25/1.
O’Brien’s more fancied runner Diamonds and Rubies – who had beaten Legatissimo into second in her previous outing the Pretty Polly Stakes – faded badly to finish last.
Gosden’s favoured Star of Seville, the winner of the French Oaks, flattered to deceive leading till two furlongs out under Frankie Dettori before being overwhelmed by the fast finishing pack.
