JOHNSON’S CHAMP
RICHARD JOHNSON was crowned Stobart Champion Jockey for a second successive time at Sandown on Saturday.
Philip Hobbs’ stable jockey ran up a total of 188 winners, including two on the day – Menorah and Wait For Me.
“It’s fantastic to have won back-to-back titles,” said the champ. “I’ve had one of my best-ever seasons and a massive thanks to all the owners and trainers who have supported me.
“I’ve been very lucky to ride some great horses, with Native River and Defi de Seuil among ® the highlights. Hopefully we’ll be able to win a third title again next year, though obviously without the help of Menorah who will be retired.
“What a horse he is to win Saturday’s Sandown race four years in a row.”
Dedication
Brian Hughes finished second on 144 wins – a huge improvement on his previous best of 106 in the 2014-15 season.
Fellow century-makers included Sam Twiston-Davies (third place with 137 wins), Starform’s Aidan Coleman (fourth on 122) and Noel Fehily (fifth place on 117). Harry Skelton finished on 101 for the second year running.
The new season kicks off today at Kempton and Warwick, with Johnson riding in five races.
None of his mounts is longer than 6-1 this morning and there is every chance he will win the first on NEW AGENDA (1.45).
Many will make Damocles the bet of the day at Windsor, but he will do well to beat his market rival COOL TEAM (3.10, nap).