The four-time champion, who broke his arm in a fall at Exeter on January, scored on comeback ride Made For You in the Meetings That Matter On RacingTV Handicap Hurdle.

Johnson said:

“It’s great to be back and riding a winner on my first ride feels great. I’d no trouble or pain from my arm all the way through the race but to honest I was blowing more than the horse at the end!

“When I was lying on the ground at Exeter knowing I’d probably broken my arm I thought the championship had gone. But the weather has been on my side and Brian hasn’t had as many opportunities as he might have had.

“People are saying the gap was only ‘20 winners’ but you try riding that many as it isn’t easy.”

Johnson and Murphy completed a double when Dubai Guest landed the bumper. Lucinda Russell saddled the one-two in the Racing Post Gonorth Weekend 20-22 March Handicap Chase with Blair Campbell-ridden Misfits leading home stable companion Shanroe Street.

Miss Russell completed a double when Derek Fox brought Celtic Homes home in front in the Live Racing TV On Facebook Handicap Chase.