Richard Johnson awaiting test results but hopes to be back on Wednesday

Richard Johnson has been denied a quick comeback from an enforced spell on the sidelines after Ffos Las's meeting on Tuesday was called off.

The champion jockey is awaiting the result of Monday's mandatory concussion test, which he needs to pass following a fall on Grey Gold at Wetherby on December 26.

Johnson, who is keen to get back as soon as possible after the statutory seven days' rest, had to drive to Warwick early on New Year's Day to take the test with closer options not open on the bank holiday.

He will get the result on Tuesday morning but is confident of being cleared to return, saying: "Fingers crossed I will be back riding somewhere on Wednesday, probably Ludlow, and it will be nice to get back."

Johnson, who has been the busiest jockey this season with 606 rides, leads Harry Skelton by 18 in the Stobart jump jockeys' championship, although his rival could not cut the 123-105 difference while the champion was sidelined.

Richard Johnson: should be back to ride Rock The Kasbah in Saturday's Welsh Grand NationalCredit: Michael Steele

"It has been a good season so far but I need to keep my foot down for the rest of the season with the younger lads very keen and chasing me," added Johnson who has picked up the mantle from his nemesis Sir Anthony McCoy as champion for the last two seasons.

"Philip's [Hobbs] horses have been a bit quiet but fingers crossed that will change in the new year. He has lots more to run."

Johnson had been looking forward to riding the Hobbs-trained Rock The Kasbah in the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow last Tuesday and is happy that the abandoned race has been rescheduled for Saturday.

"Hopefully they will beat the weather on Saturday as it has been Rock The Kasbah's main target."

Latest jockeys' standings for the 2017/18 season

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