O’Brien looms up alongside Hughes in Series Jockey Rankings

Joseph O’Brien celebrating his Ladbrokes St Leger victory after Leading Light’s success. Image copyright of Racingfotos.com

Joseph O’Brien has drawn level with Richard Hughes in the QIPCO British Champions Series Jockey Rankings after Leading Light provided the Irish rider with success in the Ladbrokes St Leger last weekend.

The 20-year-old was winning his fourth British Champions Series race this season at Doncaster, after Declaration of War’s triumphs in the Queen Anne Stakes and Juddmonte International Stakes, as well as St Nicholas Abbey’s victory in the Coronation Cup.

The result now means that O’Brien and Hughes are tied on 100 points in the standings, with only next week’s Nayef Joel Stakes at Newmarket to go before the deciding showdown on Saturday 19 October at Ascot on British Champions Day.

Top riders William Buick and Ryan Moore take the third and fourth spots, respectively, despite both being on a mark of 90 (Buick has ridden more seconds), while the in-form Johnny Murtagh is narrowly behind them on 85 points.

On British Champions Day, Hughes will partner his beloved Toronado in the ‘Decider’ rematch with Dawn Approach in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, while O’Brien could ride Declaration of War in the QIPCO Champion Stakes.

This, along with a fiesta of even more top-class racing, is the reason why tickets are selling fast for the British Flat season finale.

To make sure you do not miss out on being at Ascot, you can buy tickets via the racecourse’s website.