Johnson so happy with Turko ride
Shropshire handler Henry Daly's No 1 jockey Richard Johnson has got himself a plumb ride for the John Smith's Grand National - aboard Paul Nicholls' Turko. Shropshire handler Henry Daly's No 1 jockey Richard Johnson has got himself a plumb ride for the John Smith's Grand National - aboard Paul Nicholls' Turko. Nicholls had targeted Ruby Walsh for Turko but had to look elsewhere when Walsh chose to stay loyal to former winner Hedgehunter. Johnson is only too happy to reap the benefits, declaring: "I'm delighted to get the ride." Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Shropshire handler Henry Daly's No 1 jockey Richard Johnson has got himself a plumb ride for the John Smith's Grand National - aboard Paul Nicholls' Turko.
Nicholls had targeted Ruby Walsh for Turko but had to look elsewhere when Walsh chose to stay loyal to former winner Hedgehunter.
Johnson is only too happy to reap the benefits, declaring: "I'm delighted to get the ride.
"Ruby had so many options and it gives a few of us the chance to pick up a nice spare. Obviously I'm really looking forward to it."
Tony Dobbin, who rode Lord Gyllene to victory for Shropshire's Steve Brookshaw in 1997, has also got himself sorted for Saturday's showpiece.
He has picked up a useful spare ride on 2006 Irish Grand National hero Point Barrow. The 10-year-old, trained in Ireland by Pat Hughes, was sent off 8-1 co-favourite last April only to fall at the first fence.
"It is a good ride. He was fancied last year, unfortunately he came down at the first but he's an Irish National winner," said Dobbin. Last year's winning jockey Robbie Power is on 100-1 shot Nadover.