Saturday 13 January 2018 17:03, UK
Richard Johnson enjoyed a brilliant afternoon's work at Wetherby after riding a 196-1 four-timer.
While more high-profile fixtures were taking place at Kempton and Warwick, the champion jockey made the journey north to West Yorkshire and got the day off to a flying start by steering the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Noble Robin (5-2) to a clear-cut victory in the Racing UK Jump To It Novices' Hurdle.
It did not take him long to complete a double, with Jamie Snowden's 4-1 shot Hogan's Height making every yard of the running in the Racing UK In Stunning HD 'Confined' Novices' Chase, and the hat-trick was completed by 2-1 favourite Westend Story in the totescoop6 Results On totepoolliveinfo.com Handicap Hurdle, trained by his boss Philip Hobbs.
Johnson's fourth winner of the day came aboard Harriet Bethell's 11-4 favourite Newberry New in the Book Now For Medieval Day - 3rd February Handicap Chase and he looked to have a good chance of making it five on the day on John Butler's 11-8 market leader in the concluding Racing UK On Sky 432 Fillies' 'Junior' Standard Open NH Flat Race.
However, she had to make do with the a narrow second behind 13-2 chance Maebh, ridden by 5lb claimer Kevin Jones.
Johnson said: "It's been a fantastic day. Westend Story was Philip's only runner of the day, so that was the main reason I came up here.
"We thought he had a very good chance, so it was great that came off and thankfully Dave Roberts (agent) managed to get me a very good book of rides and we've had four winners, which is great.
"I can't remember the last four-timer I had, but I know they don't come around too often."
The four-timer takes Johnson's tally for the season to 129, some 20 winners clear of his nearest pursuer Harry Skelton in this year's Stobart Jump Jockeys Championship.
On being told of his new total, Johnson added: "That sounds about right. As long as I'm in front of everyone else that's all that matters!
"We've got a day off tomorrow and we'll start again on Monday."
