Brian Hughes nominated for jumps jockey of the year

VBET ambassador Brian Hughes has been nominated for jumps jockey of the year at the 2020 Lesters Awards. Hughes has never won the coveted prize at horse racing’s equivalent of the Oscars but leads the way this year after he claimed the 2019-20 jockeys’ championship for the first time. Harry Cobden, Aidan Coleman and last year’s winner Richard Johnson have also been nominated for jumps jockey of the year. The 2020 Lesters ceremony will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on December 22.

Congratulations Brian Hughes, champion jump jockey and @mickfitzg has paid him a visit so he can finally receive his trophy! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/v7fRLmPsgY

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 24, 2020

Dale Gibson, racing executive director for the Professional Jockeys Association, said in a statement: “Like other awards ceremonies, we were unable to host a Lesters Awards ceremony due to the pandemic. “We were delighted when Sky Sports Racing agreed to produce another Lesters special, as they did in 2019. “Having been lucky enough to win two Lesters myself, I know how much it means. “On behalf of the PJA and our members, I would like to congratulate all of the nominees and wish them the very best of luck.” Voting for seven of the Lesters is by ballot among members of the Professional Jockeys Association, with the Flat Ride of the Year chosen by Racing TV viewers and the Jump Ride of the Year selected by Sky Sports Racing viewers.