In his exclusive column, the Irish jump jockey salutes his fellow Betway ambassador, who is crowned champion jockey on Saturday
Racing in Ireland is pretty quiet on the eve of next week’s Punchestown Festival with all eyes firmly on Sandown and the titanic battle for the Trainers’ Championship.
Trainers’ title goes down to the wire
Willie [Mullins] and Paul [Nicholls] saddle 29 runners between them on what looks a fantastic card.
As for who will win, I haven’t a clue and the real winner is racing as it makes for a fantastic final day spectacle.
My only hope is their battle doesn’t overshadow the crowning of the real champion of the day – Richard Johnson.
Richard Johnson, we salute you
Richard defines what a jockey should be. He works unbelievably hard and is the ultimate gentleman both on and off the track.
You wouldn’t know he was in the weighing room unless you went looking for him.
He is so unassuming and just gets on with his job.
So, for all those years of hard work, all those falls, all those broken bones, he simply deserves it more than anyone else.
Richard Johnson, we salute you.
The Young Master
As for the big race itself, I reckon that both Paul and Willie may be in for some disappointment and Neil Mulholland’s pair The Young Master and Carole’s Destrier will be hard to beat with a slight preference for the former.
He ran really well at Cheltenham and, with only the two runs to date this calendar year, he comes here pretty fresh.
Punchestown
I’ll be back with a daily blog for Punchestown each day next week and I cannot wait.
It’s a very special meeting and is right up there with Cheltenham and Aintree with some amazing racing.
The racecourse does unbelievably well to maintain such a high standard of action for the six days.
I’ve got some nice rides to look forward to and I’m particularly excited about being reunited with Thebarrowman if he takes his chance in the Grade One Novice Hurdle on Wednesday.
He is a really exciting prospect.
READ: Richard Johnson: Saturday is the day I’ve been waiting for
