Richard Johnson hoping Party Vibes can spark Windsor celebration

Former champion jockey Richard Johnson is pinching himself that Party Vibes, one of just four horses he has in his new syndicate venture, holds strong claims in the Lets Bet Personal With Fitzdares Mares’ Handicap Chase at Windsor’s Winter Million meeting.

Trained by Henry Daly, Party Vibes won twice over hurdles and picked up valuable black type when third in a Listed event on her chasing debut at Bangor.

She was an odds-on winner last time out at Exeter, but steps back up in trip in the seven-runner field.

“We’ve been very lucky to get a horse like Party Vibes so early for the syndicate, she’s been fantastic and to go to a meeting like the Winter Million is exciting – and hopefully she’s going with a realistic chance as well,” said Johnson, who retired from the saddle immediately after riding a winner at Newton Abbot in April 2021.

“There’s 10 owners in all our syndicates and we believe that makes it good fun and they all feel involved. Most importantly, hopefully people enjoy the experience of being an owner and enjoy going racing.

“We can all pinch ourselves that she’s going so well and hopefully they are all having a great time.

“Last year we weren’t sure if two miles in heavy ground was her ideal or two and a half. She’s taken to fences really well, she jumped lovely at Bangor first time and then won a nice novice chase at Exeter.

“She’s up against more experienced horse, but with the way she’s taken to fences we’re hopeful there’s more to come from her.”

Johnson does not have many horses, but he has already shown he has a good eye for them.

“Imperial Saint has been a star and will run at Cheltenham a week on Saturday, I think. We’ve got four in all, two with Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, we have Oh My Johnny running at Haydock on Saturday, and two with Henry Daly,” he said.

“We’ll look to buy some more horses in the spring, but we’ve four at the moment and they are doing well.”