'We're going to try to buy a couple more' - Richard Johnson continues perfect scouting run at Worcester

Decorated jump jockey Richard Johnson continued an impressive run of success as a buyer with the victory of Hard Dealt in the 2m 4f mares' novices' hurdle at Worcester on Tuesday.

The four-time champion rider, who retired four years ago, is now running his Richard Johnson Racing syndicate and had picked up the Walk In The Park mare, winner of a maiden point at Loughrea for Sean Doyle, for £50,000 at last year's Tattersalls Cheltenham May Sale.

Hard Dealt, trained by Henry Daly, was getting her head in front under rules for the first time as she scored comfortably under David Bass.

Johnson's other horses, Imperial Saint, Oh My Johnny and Party Vibes, were sourced for a similar price at editions of the Goffs Spring Sale, to which he is planning to return next week.

"We've been very lucky with our syndicate and it's nice to give them some fun," Johnson told Sky Sports Racing.

"We've got four horses and they've all won. Imperial Saint has been our flag-bearer, he was unfortunately just beaten at Aintree but they've all been great.

"I think syndicates are probably the way forward and we're going to try to buy a couple more at Doncaster sales next week."

Of Hard Dealt, he added: "She had a small setback at Christmas and had to have a few quiet weeks so this is only her fourth race of the season.

"Henry said we should wait for the new season before she ran again because he thought she'd have a good chance and he was proved right."

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