No relenting for tireless champion Johnson

Talk about a statement of intent. Anyone would forgive champion jockey Richard Johnson for easing his way into the new season having secured a second title only on Saturday, but that is not his style and he completed the first leg of a mammoth double header with victory on Londonia in the 1m7½f handicap hurdle.

Having already completed the 100-mile trip to Towcester from his home in deepest Herefordshire, a further 200-mile drive north to Sedgefield awaited, for one ride in the bumper.

“It will give me a chance to have a sleep in the car,” said Johnson, playing down the journey. Before dashing for the gate, he added: “I got chance to celebrate on Saturday night. It was another fantastic season and I’m trying to emulate it again now.”