Johnson Awaits Fitness Clearance Richard Johnson expects to find out on Thursday whether he can make the big weekend meeting at Cheltenham.The leading jockey would be managing a quicker return than several big-name footballers, having broken three metatarsal bones in his right foot after a fall at Uttoxeter at the end of November.Johnson is down to ride a couple of horses, including one on Friday, but said: 'I am going to the doctors tomorrow and I need to see what they think first before doing anything.'Then it would be a matter of consulting with the medical officer, Dr Turner, to see what he thinks.'Obviously it would be nice to get back. The foot was put in a plastic boot but I can take it in and out of it.'Johnson joined a list of top riders on the sidelines, including the suspended Timmy Murphy and the injured Ruby Walsh and Tom Scudamore.Scudamore took the first steps to a Christmas-time return by riding out at David Pipe's yard this week.(C) PA Sport
