Dickie at 40: champion Johnson remembers his favourite horses

Two-time champion jockey Richard Johnson turned 40 on Friday and during his illustrious career he has ridden some of jump racing's big names and partnered them to a host of big-race wins. Here he remembers some of his favourites so far . . .

Dickie's nearest and dearest

Rusty Bridge and Richard Johnson

Rusty Bridge
He was the first horse I ever rode in a point-to-point and gave me my first winner under rules. He was trained by my grandfather and taught me a lot. He wasn't very fast and was a family horse but taught me to push and kick and it's worked out really well.

Anzum and jockey Richard JohnsonCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Anzum
He was my first Cheltenham Festival winner and was David Nicholson's last festival winner. It was a bit of a shock on the day as he was a big outsider. Having your first festival winner is a big thing and it was a stepping stone for my career to the next level. It was great to ride him for David, who got me going. Anzum wasn't very big but he was a real little trier.

Johnson with his Gold Cup winner Looks Like Trouble in 2000Credit: John Grossick

Looks Like Trouble
I got the Gold Cup ride only shortly before the race and he was a very talented horse. He was a jockey's dream as he jumped, travelled and gave you everything. For me the Gold Cup is the most important race on the calendar and to win it so early in my career is something I'm very proud of. He was trained by my father-in-law Noel Chance and now lives out in the paddock at home with us. He's a very special horse for me and my family.

Rooster Booster
He was the horse who cemented the relationship between me and Philip Hobbs when I first started riding for him. He was an amazing horse. He was struggling to win a handicap, then won the County Hurdle and just kept improving. He was his own worst enemy as he was so enthusiastic and gave you absolutely everything. When he won the Champion Hurdle it felt like he jumped in at the second-last and he flew up the hill. For me and Philip that was one of our greatest days. He was a fantastic horse.

Menorah: was a standing dish at SandownCredit: Edward Whitaker

He was at the top level for seven seasons, which is great credit to Philip, and he was an amazing horse. He was a great horse for the Whateleys and was a favourite of mine. He'd win a big race every season, and when he won at Sandown, the first time I was champion, that was a very special day. He's retired at home with us now as well and is a family pet.

Honourable mentions

Captain Chris was one of the best I ever rode but was just unlucky with injuries, I don't think we saw the best of him.

Wishfull Thinking, Reve De Sivola and Mighty Man were all fantastic horses. I was very lucky to ride Florida Pearl and he was amazing.

I've been very fortunate to ride an amazing amount of good horses, and could mention lots more. Hopefully there are some more waiting in the wings.

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