Hughes vs Hughes

Family rivalries, training breakthroughs and promising partnerships shine at home, plus there's strong British form on the world stage

- By ANDREA OAKES & OSCAR WILLIAMS

FATHER-DAUGHTER combination Gareth and Ruby Hughes went head-to-head for the first time in competition, with 2023 European team gold medallist Gareth securing a 75% prix st georges (PSG) win with Morricone III.

“I did test him a bit,” laughed Ruby, 17, who finished a little over 2% behind in runner-up position with Mount St John Jazz Dance. “Dad does have a few years of experience over me.”

Gareth described his new ride, Morricone, as “an incredibly talented, classy horse”.

“He’s a great student, very focused, and he tries hard,” he added of the Flamboyant Stud’s jet-black Millennium stallion. “He has the character and temperament and, so far, he seems to have ticked all the boxes. I’m excited to build a partnership with him.”

Fresh from an under-21 international pathway squad camp, Ruby and 11-year-old “Jillz” put their training into practice.