Richard Hughes and Joseph O’Brien, reigning champion Flat jockeys in England and Ireland respectively, have been granted jumps licences to ride in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham on Wednesday.
The British Horseracing Authority approved Hughes’ application while the Irish Turf Club has given O’Brien permission to compete at the Festival.
Hughes is set to partner Sgt Reckless for trainer Mick Channon, with O’Brien aboard Shield for his father, Aidan.
“Hughes was granted his jumps licence on Thursday to ride,” said BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey.
Although Hughes has been in action at Cheltenham in the past, it will be a new experience for O’Brien.
“He has been approved to ride in the bumper. He’ll have an Irish National Hunt licence for a year,” said Denis Egan, chief executive of the Irish Turf Club.
