DICKY Johnson has promised he’ll be doing all he can to win his crown back next season.
He lost out on the chance of making it five Jump Jockey titles on the trot to Brian Hughes, but as ever was gracious in defeat.
The 42-year-old suffered a broken arm after a nasty fall at Exeter in January and that combined with the shutdown and Hughes best ever season, left him with little to no chance.
He said: “Things haven’t quite gone smoothly this year, but I’ve been very fortunate actually for a long time that I haven’t had many bad runs.
“The second half of the season didn’t go quite as we’d hoped, but for everyone now it’s been a very poor year.
“It’s one of those things, we’re looking forward to getting going at some point and fingers crossed I’ll be doing everything to try to regain the championship and go from there, but it’s just one of those things, we’ve got to get through the next few months hopefully and get going again.
“I’ve got lots to look forward to with all my different yards next season, with lots of horses coming through and also the nice ones we’ve already got – the likes of Thyme Hill and Brewin’upastorm.
“I’m in a very fortunate position and hopefully we can look forward to next season and 2021 in a bit more positive light.
“I’m just looking forward to getting past all this and looking forward to the new season, but the most important thing at the moment is obviously the health of the nation and the world. We all understand that, it’s a hard time for everyone in the world.
“We’re all in the same boat and we’ve just got to try to look forward and get through it as best we can.”
Johnson has nothing but praise for Hughes and just wishes he could have experienced the traditional crowning of champions on the final day of the season at Sandown.
He said: “Brian is a deserved champion this year – he deserves all the accolades. I just think for him personally the day at Sandown is very special.
“I’ve been lucky to have enjoyed that the last four years and for him and his family, it’s sad that he doesn’t get to do that.
“I’m sure there will be a presentation at some point in the future, but that day at Sandown is a special day. It’s a shame he won’t be able to do that, but at the same time it won’t take from being champion jockey either.”
