December 15, 2025

Richard Johnson Unfiltered: Horses to Follow, Syndicate Success & Kempton’s Uncertain Future

1 hour 36 minutes

This week on The Final Furlong Podcast, Emmet Kennedy and Lizzie Kelly are joined by one of the defining figures of modern jump racing. A four-time Champion Jockey, Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, the second most successful rider in National Hunt history, and now a successful syndicate owner - Richard Johnson.

🟥 CHELTENHAM, KIKIJO & THE EMOTIONAL SHIFT

Richard explains why watching Kikijo win at Cheltenham was more nerve-wracking than riding a Gold Cup.

Lizzie Kelly explores what’s harder: controlling a horse at 30mph or standing powerless on the sidelines.

We discuss the symbolism of winning at Cheltenham in family colours, and why the link with Philip Hobbs and Johnson White matters so deeply.

🟦 FROM JOCKEY TO OWNER: THE SYNDICATE REALITY

Richard opens up about the biggest surprises since moving into ownership:

• Why syndicates may be the future of racing

• Why ex-jockeys often thrive running them

• The hardest conversations owners never see

• The mistakes new owners make — and how he protects them from it

This is essential listening for anyone considering getting involved in ownership.

🟩 CAMPAIGNING THE HORSES: THE JOCKEY INSTINCT NEVER LEAVES

Should you protect a handicap mark — or run when the horse is right?

Richard explains his thinking with Kikijo, updates us on Party Vibes, and shares which horses he’s most excited about next.

He also explains how listeners can get involved in the Richard Johnson Racing syndicate.

🎄 CHRISTMAS RACING & THE BIG QUESTIONS

• What would Richard do with Constitution Hill now?

• How does he see the Champion Hurdle division shaping up?

• Could a handicapper still emerge to win it — Rooster Booster style?

• Is Golden Ace the one to beat over Christmas?

• Who would Richard most want to ride in the King George VI Chase?

🟥 KEMPTON, THE JOCKEY CLUB & RACING’S FUTURE

We close with one of the most important conversations you’ll hear all season.

Kempton’s future has never looked more uncertain:

• A Redrow development option running to 2028

• A new Planning & Infrastructure Bill favouring large developments

• The Jockey Club investing heavily elsewhere while cutting costs

• The real possibility that racing’s most accessible winter track could be lost

From a jockey’s perspective, Richard explains:

• What Kempton gives the sport that no other track does

• Why it matters culturally and commercially

• Whether racing will regret losing it — or justify it later as “necessary”

🐎 PLUS: TWO HORSES TO FOLLOW

Richard names two horses from the Richard Johnson Racing Syndicate to keep firmly onside over the next month.

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