Johansson set to launch UK campaign

Top Swedish jockey Fredrik Johansson will be in action at Musselburgh on Saturday as he bids to become a familiar figure on the British racing scene.

The 32-year-old will be on Vodafone Oaks fourth Inchberry and Compton Emperor, both trained by Gerard Butler and owned by fellow Swede Erik Penser, at the Scottish track.

He intends it to be a precursor to a winter campaign on the all-weather circuit.

Johansson had four rides at the Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot in August, winning the Distaff on the Andrew Balding-trained Lochridge.

“It has only unfolded over the last couple of weeks,” said his acting British agent, Terry Norman.

“He wants to come over because, having ridden in the Shergar Cup, he wants to make his name in England before we get the big events like Royal Ascot next year.

“He thinks he has more chance of getting rides next year if he comes and rides on the all-weather and rides a few winners.

“The Swedish season finishes at the end of this month, and after that he wants to come over for the all-weather.

“Over the winter, Eddie (Ahern, Butler’s stable jockey) goes away for a month for his wedding, so he is going to be riding for Gerard during that period, and he is also going to ride for Mikael Magnusson.

“After that it will be a case of picking up rides wherever possible.”

Son of a former jockey, Johansson has partnered four of the last seven Swedish Derby winners since choosing racing over a career in professional football in 1988.

A former champion jockey of both Sweden and all-Scandinavia, he has been the leading money-winner in Scandinavia for the past two years.