Donald McCain has confirmed Brian Hughes has been appointed as his first-choice rider for the new jumps season.

Hughes has linked up in recent months with the Cholmondley trainer and rode 24 winners for him in the 2017-18 season.

Ulsterman Hughes, regarded as the best jumps jockey in the North, has finished second behind Richard Johnson in the last two jumps seasons.

The arrangement will still see Hughes ride for former yards, including Ruth Jefferson and Mick Channon, while McCain hopes his former first-choice rider Will Kennedy will continue to ride for the Bankhouse yard.

“I am delighted to announce that Brian Hughes has agreed to become first-choice jockey for my team at Bankhouse,” prolific Bangor-on-Dee winner McCain told the Racing Post.

“For a number of years now Brian has been the standout rider in the north so this appointment can only be a positive step for the long term future and security of my business and is in the best interest of my owners, staff and horses.

“Will Kennedy has been a big part of our success over the last few seasons, has ridden a lot of winners for the yard and hopefully will continue to do so.

“I feel very lucky to be able to regularly call on two of the north’s leading riders and look forward to a long and successful association.”