[C]hampion Jockey and Cheltenham hero Richard Johnson has no fewer than five rides at Carlisle Racecourse this Sunday.
Fresh from leading Native River to a famous and thrilling victory in last week’s Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup, Johnson heads north for what is a specially arranged fixture at Cumbria’s premier racecourse.
The British Horse Racing Authority awarded the seven-race card to Carlisle earlier this week after three of the course’s last five meetings had to be abandoned due to snow and frozen ground.
The course is looking fantastic and two-time Gold Cup winner Johnson joins a host of leading jockeys and trainers at Carlisle this Sunday.
Among Johnson’s confirmed rides is PC Dixon in the Enhanced Place Odds At 188BET Handicap Hurdle. The Victor Thompson-trained five-year-old, who won at Hexham last week, was an impressive second at Carlisle when edged out by Instingtive over 2m1f earlier this month.
Johnson’s third runner of the day – the Stuart Crawford-saddled Apache Jack – is pitched against course favourite Pistol in the In Play Betting At 188BET Handicap Hurdle. John Dixon’s nine-year-old chaser is a three-time winner at Carlisle, including his last time out over 2m1f in February.
No fewer than 68 horses have been declared among the runners this Sunday – Carlisle’s biggest field of the season to date.
Reigning Grand National champion trainer Lucinda Russell and jockey Derek Fox, who rode One For Arthur to Aintree glory last year, return to Carlisle.
Russell and Fox will be hoping Shanroe Street can claim a first win of the season in the Bet & Watch At 188bet.Co.Uk Novices Chase, while Blair Campbell will take the reins of the Russell-saddled Catchthemoonlight in the 2m1f Handicap Hurdle. The 10-year-old hurdler has form at the Carlisle having won over the same distance here in April 2017.
Another horse with decent form in Cumbria is Donald McCain’s Derintoher Yank who boasts no fewer than three wins at Carlisle, his most recent in November.
Carlisle’s leading jockey Brian Hughes – who has ridden seven winners this season, and is second behind Johnson in The Stobart Jump Jockeys Championship – has five runners on Sunday.
Molly Dingwall, Jockey Club’s Group Trainee General Manager, said: “Sunday is going to be a really cracking day of jump racing.
“We’ve had so much bad luck over the past few months due to bad weather, so to be welcoming so many runners and leading trainers and jockeys here is fantastic.
“I want to thank all the owners and trainers for their support of Carlisle Racecourse. The fact we’ve been able to put this meeting on at such short notice is real testament to the brilliant team we have here.
“There are many intriguing match-ups in a packed racecard and, of course, with that sensational Gold Cup still fresh in everyone’s minds, we are delighted to be welcoming Champion Jockey Richard Johnson back here to Carlisle.
“He is one of the greats of the sport and it will be wonderful to see him racing here alongside so many other top jockeys.”
The new fixture means there will be jumps racing at Carlisle over the next two weekends. Sunday’s fixture will be followed by the course’s annual Easter family fun day on Saturday March 31.
Gates open on Sunday at 12.15pm. First race is 2.15pm. Last Race 5.45pm Adult tickets are £14.00 (in advance) or £17.00 (on the day). All under 18s get in free when accompanied by an adult.
