Richard Hughes` morning spent in the sauna proved worthwhile as Laffah secured victory in the opener at Goodwood today.
Hughes usually struggles to get below 8st 7lb but managed to do 8st 5lb (just 1lb overweight) to partner Laffah in the Marriott Hotels Goodwood Handicap.
His wasting proved important as Laffah stayed on strongly in the final furlong of the stamina test to deny the favourite Seliana by one and a half lengths.
'I managed to get 3lb off this morning. I wouldn`t normally get down so low but I thought it was worth it for this one,' said Hughes.
Trainer Gary Moore said: 'Richard is a genius and it was a great effort for him to get down to 8st 5lb.
'This horse wants two and a half miles or even three really. When he won his first race at Chepstow this season this race was always going to be his target.'
Laffah is set to return to hurdling in the winter - for which he is still well-handicapped - and has also schooled well over fences.
But Flat racing remains on the agenda for the time being with the Cesarewitch the main target.
Seliana`s trainer Geoff Wragg said: 'She stays and stays and we`ll find a race for her one day.' - PA
