Champion jockey Richard Johnson hits Chepstow four-timer

Richard Johnson's decision to sidestep the big meetings at Sandown and Aintree paid off with the champion jockey enjoying a 489/1 four-timer at Chepstow.

Three of his winners were for his boss Philip Hobbs, starting with 4/1 favourite Sykes in the Marion Winship Memorial Chase.

After steering home evens favourite Geordie Des Champs for Rebecca Curtis in the Dribuild 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle, Johnson completed his day with two more for the Hobbs stable.

Atirelarigo (6/1) duly took the Rhys Howells Memorial Handicap Chase before Lamb Or Cod (6/1 co-favourite) capped a fine few hours with victory in the Coral Welsh Grand National Trial Handicap Chase.

Johnson was taking his tally for the campaign to 116 in his bid to retain his title.