RACING returned to Hereford Racecourse on Tuesday and the occasion was marked when reigning Champion jump jockey Richard Johnson reached 100 winners for the season when he partnered Arty Campbell to victory in the opening equestrianprojects.co.uk Handicap Hurdle.

The Herefordshire born champion jump jockey took his career tally to 3,500 career winners last month and he moved onto this season’s landmark fittingly at his local course.

The race was not without drama though as Arty Campbell, who was set off the 11/4 favourite tried to duck out at the final flight after going into the lead at the penultimate hurdle with the race seemingly won.

Johnson quickly got his mount focused again and the Bernard Llewellyn trained favourite regained control from long-time leader Stonemadforspeed to score by three and a quarter lengths.

Johnson reported after the race: "He was travelling so well I thought turning in, I'd let him bowl along. He had a good look but as soon as the other horse came to him, picked up well again".

"It's fantastic to get to 100 again, especially here at Hereford. There's a lot of people I know here today and my mum and dad are here. It's nice they've come for a day out." He added.

Johnson who has been champion jockey for the last three seasons now leads this season’s title race after going to the top of the table at the beginning of the month following an early season spurt by rival Harry Skelton.

Johnson then followed this and scored a double later on the card by teaming up with Downton Hall trainer Henry Daly to score aboard his impressive Atlanta Ablaze in the Mares Handicap Chase who won easing up by a facile four lengths.

Meanwhile the 2.55pm Edmundson Electricals Novices' Hurdle race over two miles and three and a half furlongs was won by Ilewin Geez with jockey Harry Bannister.

Irish horse Drovers Lane won the Equestrianprojects For Gallops Chase over three miles and a furlong.

Meanwhile jockey Adam Wedge road Marble Moon to clinch the win in the Harrison Clark Rickerbys Handicap Hurdle.

Another Irish horse What's Occurring took the 5pm with Leighton Aspell on board in the Equestrianprojects For Stables 'National Hunt' Maiden Hurdle.

Aspell was again victorious in the final race of the meeting which saw nine runners and was won by joint favourite Versifier.