RICHARD Hughes revived his hopes of catching Paul Hanagan in the race for the jockeys’ championship with a near-22- 1 treble at Leicester.

The Irish-born pilot cut the northern-based rider’s lead down to eight (179-171) thanks to his trio of winning favourites, all trained by Mick Channon.

Hanagan will curse his luck at sitting out yesterday due to a one-day suspension as it proved costly and resulted in Hughes being trimmed to 9-2 from 8-1 for the title with Coral.

‘‘Richard Hughes has taken advantage of Paul Hanagan’s one-day suspension to get the gap back down to single figures, and with 12 days of the season remaining, the title race is far from over,’’ said Coral’s David Stevens.

Hughes had to work hard for his first of the day aboard Jinky, who seized the day following an almighty duel with Cape Rambler in the EBF Fosse Way Maiden Stakes.

Although five went to post, it was a two-horse race from the outset as the two principals cut out the running.

Rae Guest’s newcomer Flynn’s Boy did his best to keep tabs on the pair but was left standing in the final furlong as the real battle commenced.

There was little to choose between them until the last few strides when Jinky, the 10- 11 favourite, proved the stronger to score by a head.

Hughes enjoyed an easier success on 2-1 favourite Show Rainbow in the Hoby Median Auction Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.

The two-year-old filly made her experience count as she powered home by four lengths on the stands rail to beat Swimsuit.

It was a similar story in division two of the Haymarket Nursery as Hughes bagged the fence on 3-1 jolly Barista to scorch two and a quarter lengths clear of nearest pursuer Scoglio.

Peligroso outclassed his three rivals with an effortless victory in the Sir Gordon Richards Conditions Stakes.

Frankie Dettori, on his only ride of the day, set out to make it a proper race by going off in front on the 1-4 shot and he was soon 10 lengths clear.

The remaining trio could not get anywhere near Godolphin’s four-year-old, who was so far in front three furlongs from home that Dettori could afford a long look over his shoulder. He was able to ease the Saeed bin Suroor-trained colt down considerably from two furlongs out, yet there was still a yawning 10 lengths to runner-up Dakiyah.

Just Five (3-1) was a comfortable winner of the Gumley Claiming Stakes for County Durham trainer Michael Dods.