Johnson masterclass as Wait For Me wins after hitting 140 in running

Champion jockey Richard Johnson was the toast of Twitter after his power-packed effort saw 8-11 favourite Wait For Me make a winning chase debut at Worcester, having hit 139-1 in running on Betfair.

Wait For Me, trained by Johnson's boss Philip Hobbs, was sent off a red-hot favourite but backers would have been fearing the worst on the turn for home as he was firmly off the bridle and seemed to be going nowhere.

Mile House and Duke Street looked to have the race to themselves jumping the last, but Wait For Me, under a never-say-die Johnson, surged down the outside to get up close home and win by half a length.

The winning rider said: "Wait For Me took his time confidence-wise to get his jumping act together over hurdles and it's going to be the same over fences judging by that. He actually warmed to his task up the home straight and started to roll before digging deep to win in the end."

How Twitter reacted to the ride

Johnson has been crowned champion jockey both seasons since his great rival Sir Anthony McCoy retired and before racing on Monday he was trimmed to 1-5 (from 2-9) by Ladbrokes to retain his crown.

Spokeswoman Hayley O'Connor said: "National Hunt punters clearly can't wait until the season gets in full swing because some of them are already backing Dickie Johnson to be the top jockey as if his defeat is out of the question."

Victory aboard Wait For Me was Johnson's 69th of the season and leaves him 11 clear of nearest pursuer Harry Skelton.

3.00 Worcester result