'It will only make us stronger' - Richard Johnson's delight at return of crowds

The go-ahead for crowds to return to racecourses in England next week has been welcomed by "delighted" jockeys as a shot in the arm for racing, with the approval for spectators to attend from Wednesday coinciding with the start of the busy Christmas schedule featuring the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase, Cheltenham's International fixture and the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase.

Former champion jump jockey Richard Johnson and weighing room colleagues Daryl Jacob and Robbie Power expressed excitement at the prospect of having fans back next week, as well as conveying a hope that their return can put racing in a stronger position by re-engaging with people after months of being shut out of tracks.

“We're delighted,” said Johnson. “It’ll be lovely to have people back and have them back more permanently, rather than having the likes of owners come in half an hour before a race and then have to be gone by the next one.