Champion Jockey Richard Johnson returned from injury with a double form his only tow rides at Musselburgh today.
Johnson had two mounts for trainer Olly Murphy in his return to the saddle. Made for You and Dubai Quest were the horses in question, both won.
The champ is back!
What a cracking ride - 37 days after breaking his forearm, Richard Johnson lifts home Made For You on his first ride back for Olly Murphy at @MusselburghRace 👏 @dickyjohnson77 @O_J_murphy91 pic.twitter.com/FadxV94KyP— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 27, 2020
The champion rider was returning from a broken arm suffered just 37 days ago at Exeter and was suffering no ill effects, apart from his fitness.
Johnson told Racing TV: “It’s great to be back and riding a winner on my first ride feels great.
“I’d no trouble or pain from my arm all the way through the race but to be honest I was blowing more than the horse at the end!"
Title Defence
The speedy return from injury has put Richard Johnson's title defence back on track. Brian Hughes has extended his lead over Johnson to 20 winners but some weather enforced cancellations have helped the reigning champ's cause.
The four-time Champion jockey, who took over the mantle upon the retirement of AP McCoy said he feared he would not retain his crown.
“When I was lying on the ground at Exeter knowing I’d probably broken my arm I thought the championship had gone.
"But the weather has been on my side and Brian hasn’t had as many opportunities as he might otherwise have had.
“People are saying the gap is 'only 20 winners’ but you try riding that many, as it isn’t easy!”
“After what happened last month, I’m just delighted to be back racing.
“Hopefully we can keep at it and we’ll see where it takes us.”
Should Johnson not retain his crown, he will have been runner up in the jockeys' title race an unwanted record 17 times, having finished second to McCoy 16 times.
