HEREFORD-BORN rider Richard Johnson still hopes that one day he will be Champion Jockey.

And he doesn’t want to do it when 14-times titleholder Tony McCoy isn’t around.

He got off to the best possible start on the opening day of the 2009/10 National Hunt season by riding three winners at Ludlow Racecourse.

Within the space of half-an-hour his tally was two – both for Welsh trainer Alison Thorpe – and he rounded off the afternoon with a winner for Henry Daly.

Tony McCoy wasn’t left out though. He won one race, and I will declare an interest in mentioning that Hereford-based rider Lee Stephens - aka Mr Katie Stephens – notched up a winner too at the same fixture.

In the case of the latter race, Tyup Pompey is a regular and consistent runner at both Hereford and Ludlow Racecourse for owner/trainer Ann Price and her success with him was well deserved in a valuable contest.

Richard and the major protagonists for the jump jockeys’ championship are likely to be in action this afternoon (Thursday) at the first fixture of the new season at Hereford Racecourse.

It is the fourth annual Wye Valley Brewery raceday which has become a very popular day with licensee customers of the brewery.

There is then a break of a few weeks before the showpiece day of 2009 at Hereford Racecourse – a real highlight in the Herefordshire social calendar.

Ladies’ Day is on Sunday, June 21 this year. Gentlemen are, of course, welcome too!

Visitors can enjoy a glass of Champagne or summer Pimms while browsing in the shopping village.

There are competitions for the best-dressed racegoer and the best hat, so visitors are encouraged to dress to impress.

Tickets can be bought online now at www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk l Following today’s (Thursday’s) Wye Valley Brewery racing day, the next fixture at Hereford Racecourse is Ladies’ Day on Sunday, June 21. Grandstand admission is £17. Accompanied children aged under 16 enter free of charge. More information can be found on web site www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk or by telephoning the racecourse on 01432 273560.