Richard Johnson

The 2022 Ulster Bank Balmoral Show returned to its usual spot on the calendar, the middle of May, on Friday. The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association sponsored the Race Horse to Riding Horse Class, which featured guest judges WP Mullins and retired champion National Hunt jockey Richard Johnson. The winner was Felicity McConnell aboard Easy Pleased (Ire) (Mahler {GB}). The 5-year-old gelding was bred by Brendan Nolan. ITBA's Kerry Ryan said, "ITBA has proudly sponsored this class since 2017 as part of its welfare initiative. It's wonderful to see retired racehorses...

Richard Johnson, a four-time champion jockey over jumps, announced his retirement on Saturday. His final ride was a third-place finish aboard Brother Tedd (GB) (Kayf Tara {GB}) in the 5:25 at Newton Abbot. Johnson, who has over 3,800 winners, earned his first title in 2016 after 20-time champion jockey Sir AP McCoy retired. He retained his crown for three more seasons. Johnson was also runner-up to McCoy an additional 16 times in the jockeys' standings. Although he did not win the Grand National, he booted home two winners of the...