Richard Johnson has selected three magnificent racehorses for Great British Racing’s Horse of the Month competition.
To shine a spotlight on the amazing animals that power horseracing, each month the retired jockey scouts racecourses for big performances and future stars of the sport.
Richard had his work cut out in March, choosing between the equine stars of the Cheltenham Festival, the pinnacle of jump racing. This was the first Cheltenham Festival that Richard was not riding at since retiring in May 2021, so he had plenty of time to look out for star performers on the track. Here are his top contenders…
Edwardstone was voted the March Horse Of The Month with 67% of the vote!
March Horse of the Month contenders
Tiger Roll
Two-time Grand National winner and second place in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham Festival.
Jockey: Davy Russell
March saw racing legend Tiger Roll retire from his illustrious career. The two-time Grand National winner retired after a competitive race coming second to his stable mate, Delta Work at Cheltenham, having given sporting fans plenty of moments to treasure.
The 12-year-old is known more widely to the public for his Grand National success, but among jockeys and trainers he is admired for his ‘economical’ style of jumping and nifty footwork that makes him the athlete he is.
Tiger’s sensational career was celebrated by spectators as he accompanied Delta Work into the winner’s enclosure one last time.
Richard Johnson’s verdict: “Where to start with Tiger Roll! What a special horse he has been for racing. His Cheltenham Festival record is unbelievable, and it was sad to see him getting beat in the final strides of the Cross Country Chase. But to go out on a high like that, and to have the reception he did speaks for what he has done for the sport. He is a phenomenal jumper, and it was a joy to watch him on his last run of his career. Thank you, Tiger!”
Edwardstone
Winner of the Sporting Life Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Trainer: Alan King
Jockey: Tom Cannon
Edwardstone was the perfect professional at Cheltenham Festival, claiming one for four Grade 1 wins for British horses during the week. The eight-year-old is an exciting prospect having won five consecutive races since November proving he is agile to different tracks.
Richard Johnson’s verdict: “He won the race emphatically. We are looking for stars of the future, and we have found one in him. He was very impressive to watch, he jumped brilliantly and a horse that we will all be looking forward to seeing again.”
Constitution Hill
Winner of the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Nico De Boinville
The powerful five-year-old put on a stellar performance to kick-start the Festival. Courageously setting the pace and bolting up the hill, he has proven is determination and competitive nature on the track, despite appearing lad back at home and pre-racing.
Richard Johnson’s verdict: “We couldn’t have asked for a better start to Cheltenham Festival. When he bolted up the hill it was simply amazing to hear the ‘Cheltenham Roar’ once again. His footwork was perfect, and you could tell he was thoroughly enjoying himself! I was delighted too for Nicky and the team and look forward to seeing more of him next season.”
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