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Sweet success at last for Johnson in chasing highlight
Richard Johnson with the Hennessy trophy after his victory on Native RiverCredit: Edward Whitaker
Richard Johnson spent 20 years in Sir Anthony McCoy's shadow waiting for a first jockeys' championship, and he waited even longer for his first win in chasing's classiest handicap.
Success at last, and in a race his great friend and rival never won, was therefore all the sweeter.
Johnson's broad grin as he returned to the winner's enclosure told its own story, but Johnson spelled out its importance.
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more inReports
- Hereford: 'He's going great guns' - another winner for in-form Freddie Gordon as Mister Upton impresses
- Hexham: 'The horses seem to run well here' - Forest Blaze bolsters Mark Walford's impressive track record
- Fontwell: 'It's the game I love and there's nothing like it' - Henrietta Knight enjoys first jumps winner since 2015
- Uttoxeter: emotional victory for connections as Jingko Blue makes perfect start to chasing career with emphatic win
- Punchestown: 'It's a great start' - Dancing City cut to 6-1 for the Brown Advisory after successful chasing debut