1985 Grand National horse, West Tip had been fortunate to survive being hit by a lorry in 1982, which left a huge scar in his hind quarters. Having recovered, he went on to show impressive form by winning four races in the buildup to the National, including The Ritz Club National Hunt Handicap at Cheltenham a few weeks before Aintree. His partner was Richard Dunwoody, the youngest rider in the contest and among thirteen riders making their National debut. Such was the interest in the pair in the days leading to the race that he was asked to appear on the Wogan show
Richard Johnson (jockey) Richard Johnson (jockey) Richard Johnson (born 21 July 1977 in Hereford) is an English National Hunt jockey. Johnson comes from a racing family with his father being an amateur jockey and his mother, Sue Johnson, a successful trainer. Johnson became Champion Conditional Jockey in the 1995/96 season, at the age of 18. Johnson's first winner under rules was on Rusty Bridge at Hereford in April 1994. He has had great success at the Cheltenham Festival. His first win at Cheltenham was on Anzum in the 1999 Stayers' Hurdle. He won the 2000 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup with Looks Like Trouble