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Johnson raring to go at Hereford
- Updated: October 5, 2016
Any decision taken to close a sporting venue brings with it a tinge of sadness for those it effects and served to create ever lasting memories for.
When the announcement was made in 2012 that Hereford racecourse was to shut its doors, it came as a shock to many in the National Hunt world, none possibly more so than reigning champion jockey Richard Johnson.
For any jockey, riding their first winner under Rules is a moment to savour and on April 30, 1994, as a then relatively-unknown 16-year-old, Johnson achieved just that at the Roman Road track, partnering 25-1 shot Rusty Bridge, trained by his grandfather Ivor Johnson, to victory in the Next Generation Hunters’ Chase.
Since that success 22 years ago, Johnson has established himself as one of the finest riders in the business, chalking up more than 3,000 career winners featuring a number of Grade One successes, including victories in both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle.
With the track set to open its doors again on Thursday following four years in the wilderness, Johnson, who is booked for five mounts at the course, is now looking forward to racing resuming at the venue which acted as the springboard to the glory days he has since enjoyed.
“It was very sad when it closed, as it was my local track. To have my first winner there was something I will always remember,” said Johnson.
“Over the last couple of years you are worried that perhaps it wasn’t going to come back, but obviously you …
