Trainer Dessie Hughes passes away aged 71

A leading figure in Irish National Hunt racing, Dessie Hughes, has died at the age of 71.

Hughes, who won the Champion Hurdle as both a jockey and a trainer, had been battling an illness.

"I would call him the professional's professional. He very seldom made a wrong choice. I remember the first time I rode in a professional race at Punchestown and I thought I'd follow Dessie Hughes," trainer Willie Mullins told At the Races.

"He won the race. I was third or fourth and I got such an insight on how to ride a race. He was a fantastic jockey and brought that same ability to his training career. He always had a top team of horses and a great team of loyal owners. He had a great team behind him. Our sympathy is with everyone."

Hughes is survived by his wife Eileen, son and three-time champion flat jockey Richard and daughter Sandra.