I FIRST became aware of Richard Johnson 25 years ago. While his existence was brought to my attention as an avid follower of the late David Nicholson’s horses, seeing a name appear occasionally in the daily paper and watching a jockey in action are very different things, and I’m not alone by a long chalk in having my awareness of young Johnson raised considerably by watching the Brocklesby Hunters’ Chase at Market Rasen on Monday February 6th 1995.

As a native of Co. Antrim, I was especially interested in watching Sandybraes compete in the colours of Doagh-based Adair Catherwood, whose maroon and grey silks had been carried by many of my favourite horses, from Little Bay to Keen Leader, and not forgetting the beautiful Dark Ivy. The combination of Nicholson and Mrs Catherwood was sure to pique my interest, and I sneaked a late lunch break (possibly a second one, which was not unusual at that time when I was employed by a temping agency and rather more interested in racing than work) to have a small bet on Sandybraes.