Former champion jockey Richard Johnson is aiming to secure his first major victory at Cheltenham as the owner of Imperial Saint in Saturday’s Support the Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup. During his career as a jockey, Johnson claimed victories in the Gold Cup, Champion Chase, and Champion Hurdle, and now he channels his expertise into leading a successful ownership syndicate.
Last month, the syndicate celebrated its first Cheltenham win with Kikijo, but Imperial Saint, trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, has long been their standout horse. Imperial Saint won three times last season and placed third in the competitive Trial Day race. Johnson shared that the horse wasn’t in top form at Old Lawn due to back pain, which led to a break before returning to racing. He admitted that the horse was unwell before that race, which affected his performance.
Johnson remains optimistic about Imperial Saint’s fitness and prospects for the upcoming Cheltenham race, stating that both trainer and owner are confident. Despite being regarded as more of an Aintree specialist, Imperial Saint has proven capability at Cheltenham, performing well in the Trial Day race. The team initially aimed for the Paddy Power race but switched to this one after the break. Johnson also noted the competitive nature of the race, with other strong contenders like Jagwar in the field, emphasizing that it will still take a lot to win but they hope Imperial Saint has a real chance.
Fan Take: This story is exciting for horse racing enthusiasts because it highlights a former top jockey transitioning to a leadership role in ownership, showing the passion and knowledge he brings to the sport from a new angle. A win for Imperial Saint would not only be a personal milestone for Richard Johnson but also an inspiring moment that celebrates the deep connections and dedication within the horse racing community.
