Richard Johnson finished the National Hunt season on 200 winners from 980 rides, surpassing his tallies for the previous two seasons. He finished 22 clear of title runner-up Harry Skelton and 54 ahead of third-placed Brian Hughes.
The 41-year-old enjoyed another successful campaign with Somerset-based trainer Phillip Hobbs and earned over £2million in prize money this year.
Among his victories during the 2018/2019 season, Richard scooped the prestigious Kauto Star Novices’ Chase with La Bague Au Roi at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. He also bagged a double of impressive five-timers at Perth last summer. Firstly, on 18 August last and then again on 27 September — making it his most successful track this season, with a total of 16 wins. In October, Richard secured a further three hat-tricks on the bounce at Exeter, Fontwell and Ludlow.
“It’s an amazing feeling to get my hands back on that trophy — believe me, you do not get bored of that feeling. To do it for four years in a row is something I am immensely proud of,” said Richard.
“It’s always a long, hard season but there have been some fantastic battles across the year. There are so many talented jockeys that I am up against day in, day out — so it’s brilliant to come out on top again.”
To celebrate his latest title, Great British Racing teamed up with legendary sports commentator Eddie Butler in a video homage to the champion jockey’s tenacity, resilience and talent. The video features other British sporting greats such as tennis star Andy Murray, former middle-distance athlete Kelly Holmes and ex-boxer George Groves.
Don’t miss our report from Sandown Park’s Bet365 Jump Finale day in the 2 May issue of Horse & Hound — on sale every Thursday.
