Legendary jockey Richard Johnson has opened up about his biggest regrets from a storied career.
Johnson, speaking exclusively to us here at BoyleSports ahead of the Aintree Grand National, also gave us his insight into what it’s like for a jockey on the big day at Aintree and reveals the different approaches jockeys would take to get themselves ready for the Grand National.
Grand National Regrets
Yeah there are always regrets over races you don’t win, when you get beat you always think ‘could I have done something different?’
At the end of the day, if you did it again, you would try and do something differently to try and get a different result.
In 2002, What’s Up Boys just got collared in the last 50 yards of the race, being beaten by Bindaree, and that was a bit heart-wrenching because in my head I’d won it. I got to the elbow and thought ‘I’m going to win the Grand National.
Then, in 2014, Balthazar King was almost the opposite, going to the last AP (McCoy) was on my outside. Pineu De Re was just in front of us and he was notorious for stopping in front, as well as being a bit lairy.
I was looking at AP, thinking he might have a bit more left. Then, I jumped the last fence and I couldn't get any closer to Leighton (Aspell) and Pineau De Re, so it didn’t go quite to plan!
When you look back at it, actually, both horses ran their hearts out and on the day just weren’t quite good enough to win. You always think of what might have happened.
*The favourite for the 2024 Aintree Grand National is Corach Rambler at 5/1 according to the latest horse racing odds at BoyleSports.
Not Winning The Grand National & King George Are My Biggest Regrets
Yes, not winning the Grand National is my biggest regret, that and King George V at Kempton. But, if you speak to a non-racing person, the Grand National is the most famous horse race.
When I speak to a non-racing person, they ask if I have ever ridden in it and I say, well yes. But I hold the record for the most losing attempts - it would have been a lovely thing to have been able to do but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.
What Makes Grand National Day Different for a Jockey
It’s very different, in the morning of the race, if you turn any TV on they are talking about the Grand National. Whether it’s the sweepstake in the local office or the budgie who has picked out the last ten winners.
It’s great, it’s a race which does get the whole nation behind it, both in positive and negative ways as well. It is that race where there’s a real atmosphere around, staying in Liverpool on the Friday night as well.
For the real racing purist, maybe Cheltenham’s Champion Hurdle or Gold Cup may take precedence over Aintree, but for the general public, the Grand National is the one race which everyone can connect with.
There’s a really happy atmosphere, Aintree has always felt really good. Cheltenham is a really serious meeting. Aintree has always been slightly different, it’s a month later, towards the end of the season and I think everyone is a bit more relaxed.
Jockeys, trainers and owners all seem to be more relaxed and in slightly better form throughout the Festival.
However, if you’re Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson this year in particular they might not be so relaxed as they are more concerned about where a win might come from!
Race Build-up Is Taxing For A Jockey
I would agree with what Derek Fox said last week, it’s the build-up to the race which is particularly taxing.
There’s so much going on, when you get on the horse you just want to race. As soon as you get legged up, you just want to get to the start and go - you don’t really want to do the parade or you don’t want to be held at the start.
You just want a clear run to the first fence, if you can jump the first well, then you can feel a bit more comfortable and more ready. Once you’ve cleared that, then you can relax, then you can breathe and the horse can get into its own rhythm.
This year will be different as well, with slightly fewer runners and hopefully that will help the start. I know it’s only six fewer horses but that will hopefully really help the start of the race, so that I think as a jockey is a positive.
You’ve got six fewer obstacles in front of you, or around you, to get in your way. If I could not be worrying about all of the horses around me, then I would have far more confidence in what my horse could do.
If you’re thinking about - it’s the factors around you which you get more worried about. You can’t stop somebody falling in front of you, and bringing your horse down or you can’t stop a loose horse veering across you and wiping you out.
To me, it was things which you can’t control which were the things that caused me concern when riding as a jockey in the race.
*Bet on the big race at Aintree with our Grand National betting odds at BoyleSports.
Atmosphere in the Weighing Room on the Day of the Race
The major difference to other big races is, due to how much more media interest there is, in the Grand National, there is a really long time between the previous race and the main event.
You’ve got all different sorts of people, from the jokers who all they want to do is run around, pull peoples’ legs and cause chaos. Then you’ve got the professionals, those who are sitting quietly, studying the form and trying to figure out what is going to happen.
Then, you’ve got some who are really excited with maybe their first run in the race or one of the favourites.If you’re not nervous before the Grand National, then you shouldn’t really be in the saddle.
These Were The Jockeys Causing Mischief On Aintree’s Big Day
Matty Baxter was one, he caused chaos even if he wasn’t riding in the race - he’d be telling jokes and making you laugh, he couldn’t help himself.
Nowadays, the likes of Henry Brooke - he’d be one who is always good value. Sam Twiston is another one who would be pulling peoples’ legs - you need that to break the silence and put a bit of fun into the situation.
*Prices are subject to fluctuation.
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly.
