Johnson looking for National partner

Leading jockey Richard Johnson is still without a ride in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree next Saturday.

Johnson, who finished second aboard What’s Up Boys in the four-mile-four-furlong hike in 2002, is on the lookout for a partner for this year’s renewal at the famous Merseyside venue – despite riding over 150 winners this season.

And with only nine days to go before the National, Johnson’s agent Dave Roberts is keeping his fingers crossed there will soon be significant progress in his client’s prospects of riding in the world’s biggest steeplechase.

“There is no booked ride for him as of yet,” reported Roberts.

“He’ll hopefully be in the race but there’s nothing concrete to speak of at the moment.

“We are definitely (putting the feelers out) but no-one has come back to us.

“But if someone rings up and says they want him, obviously that will be it.”