Landmark Johnson winner disqualified

RICHARD JOHNSON was denied his 1,000th career winner yesterday when Mrs Philip was disqualified from first place after passing the post in front in the Southwest Pony Clubs Mares’ Only Maiden Open NH Flat Race at Exeter.

The Philip Hobbs-trained mare had just held on in a thrilling finish to the two mile, one furlong contest after beating off the late challenge of Tony McCoy and Scamp by a short head.

But Scamp appeared to stumble over a furlong out and the stewards ruled that it had been due to interference from Johnson’s mount.

Although they deemed the interference to be of an accidental nature, they reversed the placings.

Johnson will try again at Cheltenham today , where he has six booked rides, including the Richard Phillips-trained Dark ‘N Sharp in the feature Faucets For Mira Showers Trophy Chase.