VICTORY ON Fighting Chance at Newbury yesterday proved a landmark for Richard Johnson, as the perennial bridesmaid to Tony McCoy in the championship race reached 2,000 career winners. McCoy led the tributes, saying: “It’s a fantastic achievement and he is someone who never gets anywhere near the credit he deserves. He is a brilliant bloke and a brilliant jockey.”

Robert Thornton was taken to hospital in Swindon after suffering a nasty fall from Minella Four Star in the Coolmation Handicap Chase at Newbury.

Alan King’s stable jockey came down at the penultimate obstacle in the marathon chase and suffered a bone-crunching tumble.

Thornton got to his feet but was stood down in the concluding bumper and taken from the course to receive medical treatment.

Nicky Henderson confirmed Barbers Shop will miss Ascot this weekend in favour of the King George VI Chase at Kempton.