Deposed champion Richard Johnson hails his rightful successor Yorkshire-based Brian Hughes

The four-times champion was trailing the North Yorkshire rider by 19 winners when racing was curtailed a week ago.

And, given the National Hunt season begins and ends each April, Johnson believes that 34-year-old Hughes is a worthy winner. Though no official announcement has been made, racing is suspended until the end of next month at the earliest due to coronavirus.

However it is generally accepted that Hughes will be champion jockey for the first time with Nicky Henderson taking the trainer’s title and JP McManus crowned top owner.

And this appeared to be confirmed by 42-year-old Johnson in a blog for the Racing Post in which he reflected on his 2019-20 campaign and the time spent on the sidelines with a broken arm.

“We had over 10 months of the season and it’s only right Brian is crowned champion,” wrote Johnson who is the second most successful National Hunt rider in history behind the now retired Sir AP McCoy.

“He should be very proud of what he has achieved because being champion jockey is the best accolade you can get.

“It’s unfortunate that he’s going to miss out on having his day at Sandown.

“Picking up the trophy on the last day of the season has been a highlight for me over the last four years. It’s very special and it’s a shame Brian is not going to have that.”

Yet, while Johnson was never given the chance by Hughes to claim a commanding, and decisive, early lead, he remains intent on regaining his crown .

“I’ve had an up-and-down campaign and breaking my arm was a particular low point,” he added.

“It’s exciting to have some very nice horses coming through for Philip Hobbs and Olly Murphy, the likes of Thyme Hill and Brewin’upastorm, and hopefully there are some future stars among them.

“Hopefully we’ll be back up and running for the start of the new season in May.

“Trying to regain my crown will be my main ambition and losing it has actually made me keener than ever.

“It’s always been my goal to be champion.

“It took me a long time to get there and now I’ve had a taste of it, I’ll be trying my hardest to get it back.