Johnson delighted at owners title

This season`s jumps champions in Britain will hail from the same yard for only the third time in 35 years when Martin Pipe, Tony McCoy and David Johnson are crowned at Sandown tomorrow.

Pipe picks up a 12th trainers` championship, while stable jockey Tony McCoy will top his table for a seventh time.

Johnson was still being challenged by Robert Ogden, who launched a strong Ayr raid last week in a late bid to snatch the owners` title, but Take Control`s first prize of #60,000 in the Scottish National put the issue beyond doubt.

'It means a lot to me to be champion owner,' said Johnson.

'I`m someone who likes to win, you get nothing for being second, and when you know Martin is going to be champion trainer and Tony champion jockey you want to be champion as well. I didn`t want to get left out.

'I`m hoping we end the season with a bang at Sandown tomorrow. It Takes Time has a great chance in the three-mile hurdle, while Iris Bleu has run well at the course before and goes in the Attheraces Gold Cup.'

Johnson picked out Classified and Ravenswood as two of his horses he has most enjoyed watching this season.

'Classified has just kept on winning, he`s won six out of seven for Martin and was a relatively cheap buy, while Ravenswood has improved out of all recognition. He couldn`t jump to start with but Martin has schooled and schooled him and got him right.

'Other stars have been Wahiba Sands, who beat Best Mate at Ascot, and Lady Cricket who won the Game Spirit at Newbury. Take Control`s win was also great, of course, and Ayr has been a lucky course for me.

'It`s a tremendous thrill to win the big races, but the small races also give you satisfaction.

'I must thank all of Martin`s staff, particularly those who look after my horses and, of course, Jonothan Lower who schools them so well.'

Pipe, McCoy and Johnson top their individual categories for a second time, having achieved the feat during the 1997/1998 campaign. Before they dominated, the last combination to land the owner, trainer and jockey championships were Bryan Jenks, Fred Rimell and Terry Biddlecombe in 1968/69.