Johnson gets 12 days for Exeter error Richard Johnson has been ruled out of the William Hill King George meeting after taking the wrong course on Benbane Head in the Devon Marathon at Exeter. In-form Johnson was at the head of affairs on Martin Keighley's veteran when he went the wrong side of a rail on the far side of the course. The confusion seemed to happen as the water jump was omitted on the first circuit as it is not permitted for that obstacle to be the first fence in a four-mile race. However, it was to be jumped next time around and Johnson went on its inside, nearly carrying Aidan Coleman and Gorgehous Lliege with him. Johnson was called in to see the stewards, who found him in breach of Rule (B) 59.3.2.3 and gave him a 12-day suspension, which includes the feature Christmas meeting at Kempton. Along with his boss Philip Hobbs, Johnson has had a great start to the season, winning the Old Roan Chase on Wishfull Thinking, the Greatwood Hurdle on Garde Le Victoire and the Charlie Hall Chase with Menorah. He would have ridden Charlie Hall hero Menorah in the Kempton highlight, but will be out of action from December 19 to January 2 on days when there is racing. The Exeter race was eventually won by Adrenalin Flight.
