RYEDALE jockey Brian Hughes was today being crowned the inaugural Stobart Northern Jump Jockey of the Year at Perth Racecourse.

The Irishman, who is attached to Malcolm Jefferson's Malton yard, has ridden 87 winners at the 15 northern jump racecourses that contribute to the award in the 2015/16 campaign - more than 10 clear of his nearest rival, Richard Johnson.

The latter is the overall Champion Jockey elect - with more than 100 more winners than his nearest challengers - and will be crowned on the last day of the season tomorrow.

Hughes is battling for fifth place in that list but was "delighted" with his Northern accolade - the first-ever to be awarded.

He said: "I’ve been fighting it out with Richard Johnson, who has been well supported up here.

"It’s a competitive circuit in the North anyway and Dickie riding out of his skin this season has made it even tougher.

"I’m very grateful for the support of all the owners and trainers who I have ridden for this season. Malcolm Jefferson is my main supply of rides, but plenty of others have used me thanks to my agent, Richard Hale, who does a fantastic job.

"My target when the season starts is always to ride 100 winners as well as keep fit and injury free – so to have hit my target for the second season running is brilliant."

Hughes, 30, said the highlight of his season, however, was winning at Cheltenham.

"I won the Grade 2 Dipper Novices’ Chase on New Year’s Day aboard Seeyouatmidnight for Sandy Thompson as well as a Novices’ Chase aboard Ballyalton on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival," he said.

"There’s nothing quite like winning there - it’s the most competitive racing of the season, with strong challengers from both sides of the Irish Sea so it makes it extra special to past the post in front."

He added: "Unfortunately I had a fall at Aintree on Grand National Day which has meant I’ve had to miss the final few weeks of the season, but hopefully I’ll be back riding as soon as possible."

The 2016-17 season kicks off on Thursday, April 28, with the win counter going back to zero. Said Hughes: "It will be business as usual. My boss Malcolm Jefferson has a real quality bunch of horses for next season, so it’s great I’ve got them to look forward to. Fingers crossed I’ll be the Northern Jump Jockey of the Year next season with another 100-plus winners under my belt."

Johnson claimed 74 winners this term as of Wednesday, 13 behind Hughes, with Henry Brooke the next best on 39. The 15 racecourses involved are Aintree, Ayr, Carlisle, Cartmel, Catterick, Doncaster, Haydock, Hexham, Kelso, Market Rasen, Musselburgh, Newcastle, Perth, Sedgefield and Wetherby.