Cheltenham 2019: Will Richard Johnson ride at Cheltenham Festival TODAY after injury?
CHELTENHAM 2019 - Richard Johnson will compete at Cheltenham Festival this year after being cleared to ride.
Johnson suffered a fall at Taunton on Monday and his Cheltenham duties was in doubt.
Johnson, who has competed in 20 Grand Nationals without winning one, admitted after his fall that he was in pain.
He said: "I've taken a bit of a kicking. I’m a bit sore but other than that I am fine.
“However, I am not going to take up my remaining rides today [Monday].”
And it’s proved to be a good decision with the Cheltenham racecourse doctor passing Johnson clear to ride.
Johnson will ride Thomas Darby in the opening race of the Cheltenham Festival before riding Lalor in the second race.
And the 41-year-old is hopeful Lalor can bring him a victory, even though the going will be soft after plenty of rain.
"I don't think the ground will affect his chances as it was pretty soft at Aintree last year when he won the Top Novices' Hurdle," he said.
DAY ONE CHELTENHAM 2019 TIPS: WHO TO BACK TODAY
"It will be fresh ground as the Arkle is the first chase on the card, and he's going there fresh and well.
“The Sandown ground was much more tacky and the race probably came a bit too quick after his Cheltenham win [in November] as well.
"If he can reproduce his run from November it will take a good one to beat him.
"He's one of my best rides of the week. He's in really good form and I wouldn't swap him for anything else in the race."
Cheltenham 2019: What to expect from the festival
Richard Johnson Cheltenham 2019 rides
Tuesday 1.30pm - Supreme Novices’ Hurdle: Thomas Darby
Tuesday 2.10pm - Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase: Lalor
Tuesday 4.50pm - Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase: Springtown Lake
Wednesday 1.30pm - Ballymore Novices' Hurdle: Brewin’upastorm
Wednesday 2.10pm - Novices' Chase: Drinks Interval
Wednesday 5.30pm - Champion Bumper: Thyme Hill
Thursday 2.10pm - Final Handicap Hurdle: Samburu Shujaa
Friday 3.30pm - Cheltenham Gold Cup: Native River