Champion Jockey Richard Johnson becomes Chepstow's Ambassador

Herefordshire Champion Jump Jockey Richard Johnson is set to become an official ambassador for Chepstow Racecourse.

Richard is widely recognised as one of the most talented jockeys of his generation. He has ridden more than 3000 winners since his debut success at Hereford in 1994.  He has been champion jockey for the last two seasons. Before that, he was runner-up to Tony McCoy on 16 occasions.

He’s won numerous flagship races including the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.

Richard has also won two Coral Welsh Grand Nationals at Chepstow in 1999 on Edmond and in 2016 on Native River.  Memories of him guiding top weight Native River across the line a year ago, having made virtually all the running, will live long in the memory. 

He has ridden more than 100 winners at Chepstow including Defi Du Seuil in the Grade One Coral Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle in 2016.

As part of his new role, he will be writing a regular blog for the racecourse website and on Chepstow race days, he will be talking in the restaurant and some hospitality boxes. He will also be doing regular interviews in the Parade Ring and taking part in several VIP race day experience events.

In addition, there will be ‘An Evening with Richard Johnson’, where customers will be able to have dinner with the champion jockey and hear him reflect on his hugely successful career in the saddle. The date will be announced in the near future. 

In the summer, customers will be able walk the course with Richard and get a real insight about what it takes to be one of the most successful jump jockeys of all time.

Phil Bell, Executive Director at Chepstow Racecourse said: “I am delighted that Richard is joining the team at Chepstow.”

“He is one of the biggest names in horse racing and our customers will be able to hear from him regularly via his blog as well as meet him in person on race days and other events during the year.”

Richard Johnson said: “Chepstow is one of my favourite racecourses and I am delighted to be part of the team in 2018. In horse racing, we all need to work together to encourage more people to come and enjoy a day at our fantastic sport.”