'He's an iron man' - Noel Chance leads tributes to retired Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson with his 2000 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Looks Like Trouble on his farm in Herefordshire

Richard Johnson with his 2000 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Looks Like TroubleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Noel Chance, the trainer who provided Richard Johnson with his first success in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, has described his son-in-law as an "iron man" following the rider's shock announcement to retire from race-riding with immediate effect.

Chance was among the first trainers to set Johnson's stunning career in motion and the duo enjoyed their finest moment together when Looks Like Trouble landed the Gold Cup in 2000.

Johnson, married to Chance's daughter Fiona, first rode for the retired trainer as a 7lb claimer, winning on his first ride for the yard at Market Rasen.

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Lewis PorteousReporter

Published on 4 April 2021inNews

Last updated 16:36, 4 April 2021

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