Pletcher assistant Byron Hughes leaves to become vet

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Byron Hughes, who has worked as Todd Pletcher’s Belmont Park assistant for the last 10 years, will leave Pletcher’s employ at the end of the month. He plans to continue his studies and hopes to become an equine veterinarian.

“Over the years I gained an interest in veterinarian studies and after many discussions and seeking advice, I thought this was something I’d like to do and I have a lot of support for it too,” said Hughes, 37.

Hughes, who will be moving to Kentucky, said he has some undergraduate work to complete before he’ll be able to apply to vet school.

Hughes said he has worked for Pletcher for 11 years, the first as a traveling foreman going to Kentucky, Saratoga, and back to Kentucky. He has spent the last decade helping to oversee Pletcher’s Belmont Park division.

“It was an extremely hard decision to leave Todd, but I thought it was best for me and my future,” Hughes said. “He was completely supportive.”

Amelia Green is expected to take over the duties as Pletcher’s Belmont assistant this winter.

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