For so long in the shadow of Sir Anthony McCoy, Richard Johnson has finally claimed his first British jumps jockeys’ title.
He took his tally to 235 for the season, riding Menorah to a Grade Two victory at Sandown on the final day of the National Hunt season.
Runner-up to McCoy 15 times, Johnson said it was the realisation of a dream after 20 seasons in the saddle.
“This has been a day to remember. It is the culmination of a lot of hard work and patience and the realisation of a dream,” Johnson said.
“I’m as surprised as anyone with the way the season has gone.
“There was a sense at the start of the season that if I won people would say it has been only because AP had retired.
“While that is true to a degree, the number of winners I have had and the work I put in to achieve it, means it is so satisfying.
“Winning the title means everything to me. It is really what you work towards every day. There have been times when you think, ‘Am I ever going to win it?’, but I’m glad to say that it has finally come true.”
The unassuming farmer’s son, now 38, is only the second person to ride more than 3000 jumps winners.
While McCoy’s total of 4358 is unlikely to be topped, Johnson holds his long-time rival in the utmost respect, and the 20-time champion presented him with the trophy.
“AP was great to ride against. He was tough but fair, everything a good sportsman and a great champion should be,” Johnson said.
“He was a true champion and it was a tremendous honour that he was here today.”
