Richard Johnson: Leading jump jockey in shock retirement

Four-time champion jump jockey Richard Johnson has announced his retirement with immediate effect.

The 43-year-old was in tears as he revealed his shock decision after riding Brother Tedd into third place at Newton Abbot on Saturday.

"After nearly 30 years in the saddle, the time has come for me to retire," he said.

Johnson enjoyed more than 3,500 victories in his career - only AP McCoy has ridden more winners in jump racing.

In a message to followers of the sport, he said: "Thank you for every cheer, every shout of encouragement, it's given me enormous strength over the years. I am so very grateful to you all."

Johnson finished runner-up 16 times to McCoy in the jockeys' championship, but the pair enjoyed a strong friendship and rivalry.

"Sometimes those who challenge us the most teach us the best," said 20-time champion McCoy on Twitter.

"You did both to me for over 20 years. I will be forever grateful to you, thanks buddy. When you go home tonight look in the mirror you'll see what a champion looks like. Enjoy your retirement."

Johnson, who was in tears when McCoy retired in 2015, went on to be champion jockey himself four years running.

Richards Johnson — Johnson was a two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, and was twice second in the Grand National from a record 21 rides in the race

He won the Cheltenham Gold Cup for a second time in 2018 on Native River, 18 years after scoring with Looks Like Trouble.

Other major triumphs included the Queen Mother Champion Chase with Flagship Uberalles in 2002 and the Champion Hurdle on Rooster Booster a year later.

His brilliant last-gasp success in the 1999 Stayers' Hurdle on Anzum was the first of his 23 winners at the Cheltenham Festival, and he was an awarded an OBE for services to racing in 2019.

Trainer Philip Hobbs, who saddled many of Johnson's winners, said: "He's been an amazing role model.

"You could not get anybody better for future jockeys to see what they need to do, how to conduct yourself and everything that is needed to be a good jockey."

Fellow trainer Henry Daly said: "I can honestly say we never had a crossed word - which is astonishing because I'm a grumpy git."

The Herefordshire-born rider, known affectionately as 'Dicky', had more than 20,000 rides over 27 years.

His final one came on Brother Tedd - the horse he rode to victory in McCoy's farewell race at Sandown six years ago.

'Just an unbelievable man' - jockeys hail a racing great

Tom Scudamore: "Simply the finest bloke and friend you could wish to have. When I grow up I want to be like Richard Johnson."

Aidan Coleman: "Richard Johnson has been my hero from when he spoke to me on my first ever ride, can't find the words to describe what he means to me from both a personal and professional point of view."

Harry Skelton: "Words wouldn't be able to describe how good a person Richard Johnson is. He is the ultimate role model to any human in general life not just a jockey."

Jonjo O'Neill junior: "So determined, yet so humble and gracious. People like him just aren't made every day. Strong as an ox, the ultimate champion. Just an unbelievable man."