Johnson in line for return to the saddle

Richard Johnson says he is hoping his return to competitive action is 'fairly imminent' after just over a month on the sidelines.

British champion jockey Johnson has been out of action since breaking his arm when unseated in a novice chase at Exeter on January 21, an injury that required surgery to resolve.

The 42-year-old has been riding his retired racehorse, Menorah, at home ahead of his return to the track and he is set to be back in the saddle very shortly, with Cheltenham on the horizon.

Speaking in his role as an ambassador for Chepstow on the track’s Twitter account, Johnson said: ‘It’s been great to be back on a horse this week – I rode Menorah at home quite a few times.

I’ll be back riding out at the yards this week coming, so I’m hoping my return is fairly imminent.

‘There’s lots to look forward to – obviously the Cheltenham Festival mainly.

It’s massively disappointing Native River picked up an injury and misses the rest of the season, but fingers crossed he will back for next year.

‘There’s lots more to look forward to and hopefully back next week.’

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