Dessie Hughes
1942 - 2014
1942 - 2014
Article by Chas Hammond
Article by Chas Hammond
Desmond Thomas Hughes was born in Dublin on October 10, 1942, and was apprenticed to Dan Kirwan & Willie O'Grady.
Desmond Thomas Hughes was born in Dublin on October 10, 1942, and was apprenticed to Dan Kirwan & Willie O'Grady.
His first winner, at Ballinrobe on June 14, 1962, was Sailaway Sailor (on the Flat).
His first winner, at Ballinrobe on June 14, 1962, was Sailaway Sailor (on the Flat).
In 1964, Dessie moved to Scotland to join Eugene Ferris. That season he rode just four winners for Ferris and one for Reg Akehurst who was so impressed that he offered Dessie a job in the south, which he accepted.
In 1964, Dessie moved to Scotland to join Eugene Ferris. That season he rode just four winners for Ferris and one for Reg Akehurst who was so impressed that he offered Dessie a job in the south, which he accepted.
It was to be an unlucky decision: he was badly hurt when Willow Red was brought down in a maiden hurdle at Wolverhampton in March 1966, Dessie spent three months in hospital after a horse trod on his chest leaving him with a blood clot on his lung.
It was to be an unlucky decision: he was badly hurt when Willow Red was brought down in a maiden hurdle at Wolverhampton in March 1966, Dessie spent three months in hospital after a horse trod on his chest leaving him with a blood clot on his lung.
Consequently, he never rode a winner for his new connections and, on leaving hospital, went back to Ireland to convalesce. He then accepted a job with Mick O'Toole.
Consequently, he never rode a winner for his new connections and, on leaving hospital, went back to Ireland to convalesce. He then accepted a job with Mick O'Toole.
His son, Richard Hughes, became the Champion Jockey in England.
His son, Richard Hughes, became the Champion Jockey in England.
Dessie died on November 15, 2014, aged 71.
Dessie died on November 15, 2014, aged 71.
Dessie's biggest wins include:
Dessie's biggest wins include:
1975: Sun Alliance - Davy Lad
1975: Sun Alliance - Davy Lad
1976: Lloyds Bank Hurdle - Bit of a Jig
1976: Lloyds Bank Hurdle - Bit of a Jig
1976: Sun Alliance - Parkhill
1976: Sun Alliance - Parkhill
1977: Cheltenham Gold Cup - Davy Lad
1977: Cheltenham Gold Cup - Davy Lad
1977: Arkle Challenge Trophy - Tip The Wink
1977: Arkle Challenge Trophy - Tip The Wink
1977: Champion Novice Hurdle - Mac's Chariot
1977: Champion Novice Hurdle - Mac's Chariot
1979: Champion Hurdle - Monksfield
1979: Champion Hurdle - Monksfield
1979: Arkle Challenge Trophy - Chinrullah
1979: Arkle Challenge Trophy - Chinrullah
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