Four-time Champion Jockey, 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.
Vote for your choice below!
Botox Has was voted your February Horse Of The Month with 56% of the vote!
February Horse of the Month contenders
Funambule Sivola
Winner of the Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase at Newbury Racecourse.
Trainer: Venetia Williams
Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
The pocket rocket of jump racing won the Grade 2 race with ease, taking each fence and his opponents in his stride.
Despite being a small horse, he is exceptionally quick over the fences and is intelligent with his foot work to take on his rivals.
Richard Johnson’s verdict: ‘He is one of the smallest, little horses you will see over fences this season. His power and strength are second and he is true athlete to jump the way he does. It was a joy to watch him enjoying himself as he travelled the track.”
Botox Has
Winner of the Royal equestrian Bedding and Manor Elite Horsebox National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell Park Racecourse.
Trainer: Gary Moore
Jockey: Josh Moore
Botox Has won a competitive Grade 2 race having shown resilience and courage coming back from a fall at Plumpton in October 2021. Since then, he has improved race on race.
During his gritty performance at Fontwell, he battled back to the lead again nearing the finish with sheer determination and bold jumping.
It was clear to see how much he loves his racing and the thrill of being on the track. This six-year-old is one to follow.
Richard Johnson’s verdict: “To See Botox Has enjoy a career best in a challenging race was brilliant. When in race mode, he shows a professional nature and to see his confidence growing race on race is fantastic.”
Fortescue
Winner of the greatbritishstallionshowcase.co.uk Swinley Chase at Ascot Racecourse.
Trainer: Henry Daly
Jockey: Hugh Nugent
Fortescue is the perfect example of a traditional National Hunt Horse having won six races over chase fences. Most recently he won a competitive race at Ascot resulting in family joy for Hugh Nugent and his father Tim Nixon who owns and bred the eight-year-old.
In calculated style, Fortescue held onto his extra reserves of stamina that really kicked in later stages of the race. Fortescue has proved his stamina throughout his career which puts him in good stead for the likes of the upcoming Grand National and Welsh National next year.
Richard Johnson himself celebrated a at Sandown with Fortescue in the ‘From The Horse’s Mouth’ Podcast Handicap Chase before retiring last year.
Richard Johnson’s verdict: “The was a really promising effort from Fortescue who is now heading to the Grand National if he gets in the race. He showed amazing stamina and resilience in his performance and is one to watch.”
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