Hughes’ four-some reel

● ‘November is a good month’ says jubilant jockey

Brian Hughes was the toast of Ayr yesterday when he rode a 556-1 four timer on his five mounts.

He set the ball rolling with Acdc, the 7-2 favourite, winning the opening race, the Perfect Christmas Gifts At Ayr Racecourse Handicap Chase, over three miles and half a furlong. Hughes then steered Attention Seeker (9-2) to victory in the two-milefour-furlong Ayr Racecourse Gift Vouchers Available Now Mares’ Handicap Hurdle and made all on Lough Derg Jewel (13-2) to land the two-and-ahalf-mile handicap chase.

The Northern Irishman saved the best till last, getting up on the line to win the feature race, the Book Now For the Ayrshire Wedding Show Handicap Chase, over three miles, by a short head on Catamaran Du Seuil, trained by Dr Richard Newland in Worcestershire.

After that fourth win Brian said: “November is normally a good month for me and that’s 16 winners so far. I have to thank my agent for booking me on good horses and my five rides today have all been for different trainers.”

Two jockeys who didn’t have a day to remember were Patrick Corbett, suspended for 11 days for improper use of the whip on Our Valentina in the two-mile-four-furlong handicap hurdle and Jonathan England, rider of Ninepointsixthree, who was withdrawn at the start of the two-and-a-halfmile handicap chase.

England picked up a sevenday ban for improper conduct towards an official at the start.