Ahead of World Book Day on Thursday, March 5, Richard Johnson took time out from his riding duties to read to children from the Rocking Horse Nursery at Newbury Racecourse’s Mencap Charity Raceday last Friday, February 27.

Johnson, who was later to partner Village Vic for his 127th winner of the 2014/15 jump season, has ridden over 2,800 winners in his career, second only to the soon-to-retire AP McCoy. Richard read ‘Room On The Broom’ to six children who attend the popular nursery, which was established more than 20 years ago and is located onsite at Newbury.

World Book Day is the biggest celebration of its kind, designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and is marked in over 100 countries all over the world.

Andy Clifton, Newbury’s Head of Communications, said: “Richard Johnson is one of the most successful and popular jockeys in the history of jump racing, but he is also a devoted father, with three young children of his own, so he was delighted to help us celebrate World Book Day.

“The lucky kids from the Rocking Horse Nursery were obviously impressed with his reading skills, although rumours that some of his weighing room colleagues were asking for a story later in the afternoon remain unconfirmed!”