'My clothes are a bit snugger' - Geraghty joins Johnson in Leger Legends line-up

Doncaster's Mondialiste Leger Legends Classified Stakes race next month will include two icons of jump racing after organisers booked former superstar jockeys Barry Geraghty and Richard Johnson to ride in the contest.

The event, a mile classified stakes due to take place on the first day of the Cazoo St Leger meeting on September 8, was restricted to professional riders 12 months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the great and good of yesteryear will be able to take part this year.

They include Geraghty, a giant of the sport who retired last year and captured just about every jump race worth winning, including the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup, while he was also champion jockey in Ireland twice.

Barry Geraghty announces retirement from glorious race-riding career aged 40

Johnson, also a Gold Cup-winning rider and made an OBE in 2019, brought the curtain down on his career in April after four champion jockey crowns in Britain and 3,819 winners – more than any other jump jockey in the two nations apart from Sir Anthony McCoy, who came out of retirement to land the Leger Legends race in 2015.

The race is sponsored by Elwick Stud and is run in aid of Jack Berry House, a rehabilitation centre for injured jockeys in North Yorkshire, and the National Horseracing College near Doncaster.

More than £1 million has been raised for those organisations and Geraghty said: "I'm really looking forward to it. I've been riding out plenty, but I think my fitness will need to improve between now and then.

"We've horses at home and I've ridden some work locally – I rode for Sneezy Foster last week – so I've kept myself busy, but I know for a race my fitness would be a bit off. I'll do something about that in the next few weeks, but I'm getting on the bike to get my legs into gear.

"I'm sure there will be plenty of familiar faces to see and it's been a brilliant race over the years, so it's great to be involved, especially for such a super cause."

Richard Johnson: retired in April but makes a quick return to the saddle for a great causeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Geraghty, second to only Ruby Walsh in terms of Cheltenham Festival triumphs, does not anticipate the race to prompt any thoughts of a comeback.

"No!" he joked. "I'm very happy to have retired when I did and I'll enjoy the day, but that will be it.

"I've got some young horses at home and do a bit of media work – I've just linked up with 888 and will be writing blogs for them in the jumps season – so I've plenty to keep me occupied.

"I haven't been on the scales in months, although I haven't upsized much in clothes – they're a bit snugger than they were, but I haven't had to go and buy a new wardrobe!"

Tables at the lunch which accompanies the race are still available and can be booked via Sarah Wilding at swilding@brewsterpartners.co.uk.

Read more:

Sammy Jo Bell denies Noel Fehily in storming finish to Leger Legends

Legend of Legends Gibson hoping to go out in a blaze of glory on final ride

'I'm lucky to be here' – Perfect Power Norfolk win proves emotional for Hanagan

Shocked Richard Johnson revels in 'massive honour' after being made an OBE

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