Although he would remain in that position for the next 61 years until retiring in 1975 at the age of 87, Hughes joined the United States Army during World War I.
A winner of 20 stakes races, Hollie Hughes enjoyed his most success with steeplechase runners.
In addition to his six American Grand National wins, horses under his care won all the major steeplechase events.
[7] The May 2, 1998 issue of the New York Times wrote that Ron Turcotte, Secretariat's jockey, had often told a story about meeting Hollie Hughes just before the 1973 Belmont Stakes.
Hughes told him: "Son, you're riding the greatest horse that ever looked through a bridle.