New trophy unveiled for jump jockeys' championship in 2016
Wednesday 20 April 2016 08:30, UK
The trophy to be collected by Richard Johnson at Sandown on Saturday for his first jockeys' championship was unveiled in London on Tuesday evening - but Johnson was at home winding down from another two winners by looking after his three young children.
Having originally planned to be riding at Kempton on Tuesday, a change of plan saw the champion - who will collect his first title trophy on Saturday from Sir Anthony McCoy, the man to whom he has finished runner-up 16 times previously - diverted to ride at Ludlow, only a stone's throw from his house.
And with two winners on the board there, he diverted to collect his children on the way home, leaving wife, Fiona, and parents, Sue and Keith, to represent him as the new trophy was unveiled by designers Asprey at their New Bond Street headquarters.
The trophy, which has the names of every champion since 1900 engraved on its base, features a silver gilt hand-engraved panel around its centre which depicts AP McCoy on his way to winning the 2010 Grand National on Don't Push It. The top is engraved with the words "Bravery, Dedication, Resilience, Talent".
The previous trophy was presented to McCoy in perpetuity upon his retirement at the same Sandown meeting 12 months ago.
Fiona Johnson said: "Richard always goes where he thinks the winners will come, and it was impossible for him to be at Ludlow and make it here this evening, but it's exciting to see the new trophy. He's really enjoying life at present, enjoying his successes, and long may it continue."
Naomi Lawson, at Great British Racing, said: "We are thrilled with the levels of craftsmanship that Asprey have brought to this important commission. The new trophy had to be prestigious and something that was befitting the incredible achievement it is to be crowned Champion Jump Jockey.
"There couldn't be a more deserving first recipient of this trophy than Richard Johnson and we hope that this new trophy is something which all jump jockeys aspire to win in the future."
Johnson will also collect £15,000 in prize money for winning the Stobart-backed championship.
Watch Sir Anthony McCoy discuss how it will feel to be handing over the trophy rather than receiving it by clicking here.
