Johnson breaks leg in Exeter fall

Jockey Richard Johnson was today waking up in hospital after suffering a fracture of the tibia and fibula of his right leg following a fall at Exeter.

He was last night reported to be in a stable condition at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

He suffered the injury after a nasty-looking fall in the second race at the track.

Johnson was riding five-year-old Ilico II for Philip Hobbs in the 3663 First For Foodservice Novices` Chase when the gelding fell at the fourth fence.

He escaped head injuries but was taken by ambulance to the hospital following the fall.

Johnson, who has ridden 81 winners this season, is second in the title-race table behind reigning champion Tony McCoy.

French-bred Ilico II, bought out of Francois Doumen`s stable, died following the fall.

Hobbs said: 'It`s a disaster for all concerned, especially with the season just about to move up a gear, and I feel very sorry for Richard and for the horse`s owner Terry Warner, as he lost another good young novice chaser called Doctor Goddard at Chepstow earlier this month.'

The fall will certainly spell the end of any title hopes he may have had.

Fellow jockey Mick Fitzgerald told the Racing Channel: 'It`s very unfortunate for Richard. He is still chasing Tony McCoy for the jockeys` championship and came to Exeter with a hatful of good rides.

'I feel desperately sorry for him. I am sure he is in absolute agony.

'There is no good time for anything like this to happen. This is as bad a time as it gets because racing starts to get going and Philip is having a good run.'

Racecourse medic Dr Lee Wallis said: 'It was a very nasty fall and Richard Johnson has sustained a fracture of his tibea and fibula on the lower part of his right leg.

'It`s obviously a nasty break and he could be out for up to three months.'

Champion jockey Tony McCoy today sent a message of support to his title rival Richard Johnson.

McCoy said: 'It`s desperately disappointing for Richard, especially at this time of year with so much to look forward to.

'He is a great rider, a true sportsman and I very much look forward to having him back.

'Jump racing is a very demanding sport and things like this bring us all closer together.

'On behalf of myself and my weighing room colleagues, we wish him a speedy recovery.'