Vaughan gives Johns ringing endorsement following success

After conditional rider Alan Johns had driven Bells Of Ailsworth home in the 2m7f novice handicap chase, the youngster was given a huge endorsement by his boss and winning trainer Tim Vaughan.

He said: “I am amazed that Alan has not picked up more rides from other trainers as he is a very good young jockey – he can ride from the front or drop one in. He is a first class all-round jockey and as good as you can get.

“Richard Johnson has always been our first choice rider since I started training, but there are plenty of occasions when he is unavailable these days and Alan rides almost everything that he cannot.”