Johnson cleared to ride at Festival

PA Sport Reporters
March 11, 2020 11:45 am

Multiple champion had to pass doctor on Wednesday morning.

Richard Johnson will be back in action on day two at the Cheltenham Festival after being declared fit to ride.

The multiple champion jockey was partnering the Olly Murphy-trained Brewin’upastorm in Tuesday’s Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy when he was unseated at the 10th fence.

Johnson walked back into the weighing room, but was stood down from the remainder of his mounts on the first day of the meeting and had to pass the doctor on Wednesday morning.

The British Horseracing Authority tweeted: “Richard Johnson has been assessed by the medical team at Cheltenham and been passed fit to ride today.”

Johnson previously returned to action on February 27, having been out since January 21 after suffering a broken arm.

He has three booked rides on Wednesday and three more on Thursday, including Apple’s Jade in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle.

In other jockey updates at the Festival, Paddy Brennan – who was riding Jarveys Plate when the horse fell at the third fence in the Northern Trust Company Novices’ Handicap Chase – will not be riding on Wednesday.

The rider tweeted: “After a fall on Jarveys Plate yesterday, I wont be riding today. On my way for physio and hopefully I’ll be OK for tomorrow if not Friday.”