So you think Johnson to retain his title is a dumb bet? I disagree. I disagree

Richard Johnson had no sooner been catapulted out of the saddle by Westend Story at Exeter on Tuesday and then kicked by the pursuing Fox Pro than bookmakers en masse suspended betting on the outcome of the jockeys' championship.

As it emerged he had broken his forearm, the thrust of the commentary held that the title race was all but over. Maybe unsurprisingly given the wave Brian Hughes has been riding lately, there was a rush to anoint the challenger to the throne.

Hughes has been putting it up to Johnson all season and led him by three – 114 to 111 – at the time of Johnson's misfortune. We have had only two champion jockeys in 25 years, so it's hardly surprising that the clamour to see a grafter like Hughes elected would dictate the narrative.