Exclusive: Jockey Dylan Johnston Thriving in the Spotlight as Lump Sum Gives Him Memorable Victory

Jockey Dylan Johnston celebrates a Welsh Champion Hurdle win aboard Lump Sum, continuing his strong season with trainer Sam Thomas and support from Dai Walters. After this impressive victory, horseracing betting fans will be excited to see how Johnston and Lump Sum fare in their upcoming races.

Jake Wilkes

Sports Writer

Last Updated: 2024-10-31

Fact checked by:

Louis Hobbs

Lead Journalist

6 minutes read

Image Credits: Jake Wilkes

Welsh Champion Hurdle success for Lump Sum continued Dylan Johnston’s excellent start as Dai Walters retained rider.

The 5lb claimer has forged a deadly partnership with Welsh trainer Sam Thomas, who boasted a 1-2 in the race with the winner being followed in by stable-mate Steel Ally.

The powerful backing Dai Walters brings to horse racing is invaluable and Johnston recognises the powerful role he has being stable jockey.

Johnston said: “It’s a great opportunity to get and I’m delighted to have it, you have to take the chances when they come.”

“I was with Olly Murphy until I got this job, and he was very good to me; without him I would never have the job that I have now,” he told SportsBoom.com.

I spend 80% at Sam Thomas’s, and get about with Mr Walters other horses, Neil Mulholland has a few, Nicky Henderson has a few also.

Dylan Johnston

It was a hugely successful weekend for Johnston who rode another winner in the famous blue and white silks aboard Palacio.

Fairly unfancied in the market, Johnston was slightly shocked at the success, with his positive front-running style ensuring he was not for catching.

Johnston said: “Maybe it was a slight surprise. His bumper form was okay without it being great. I think he is a more mature horse this year and he’s doing things the right way. So not a massive surprise to win today, but at the same time, if he was good enough then we’d be slightly taken aback.”

“He’s a tricky sort of horse. He does plenty the whole time, but he’ll take his breathers himself. If you try take him back, you’ll have a terrible time with him, so making the running is the easiest way to ride him. Hopefully in time he learns to race and start doing things the right way.”

Johnston rode 20 winners last season but is well on the way to surpassing that, having 12 winners at this early stage of the 24/25 season.

Jake WilkesSports Writer

Jake Wilkes is a 3rd year Sports journalism student at the University of Gloucestershire and is a Horse Racing writer for Old Gold Racing, Cheltenham Post and Gloucestershire Live. Jake has contributed to preview evenings for big events such as the Cheltenham Festival and filmed personal insights into different stables. Jake’s hard-working and friendly persona allows him to source exclusive quotes and interviews with high-profile industry experts.