Tony McCoy and Ruby Walsh praise retired champion Richard Johnson

Sir Anthony McCoy and Ruby Walsh have led the tributes to jockey Richard Johnson following his retirement over the Easter weekend.

The 43-year-old four-time champion jumps jockey announced his unexpected decision after his final ride on Brother Tedd at Newton Abbot on Saturday.

Many of Johnson's highest-profile winners came for trainer Phillip Hobbs, including on Rooster Booster in the 2003 Champion Hurdle. He also rode two Cheltenham Gold Cup winners, Looks Like Trouble in 2000 and Native River in 2018

Tony McCoy repeatedly insisted he would never have set the records he managed in his career without Johnson pushing him all the way.

McCoy told Great British Racing: "On a professional level I probably got to know him better than anyone - and he's a brilliant man to be around, a fantastic jockey and unbelievably competitive.

"He also has a great work ethic and is the fairest jockey you could ever ride against, so he has deserved all of his success.

"As I've said many times, having Richard to compete against for all of those years definitely made me a better jockey. But however good a jockey you think he is, he's an even better person."

Walsh made his admiration clear too.

He said: "What everyone knows about Richard Johnson is what an excellent jockey he is and what a great asset he is to racing.

"But what they might not know so much is that he is also a hard man, who has toughness and determination and an incredible pain threshold, as well as being a thoroughly decent human being."

Four-time champion trainer Nicky Henderson is another who is grateful to have seen Johnson's dedication at first hand.

"He spent all those years in AP's shadow, but if anything he has developed further as a jockey since AP's retirement," said Henderson.

"The input that he gives you is enormous, and his work ethic is unbelievable - he'll go to Timbuktu for a ride. He's tireless and a true asset to racing."

Johnson's weighing-room colleagues were also generous in their praise.

Tom Scudamore tweeted: "Simply the finest bloke and friend you could wish to have. When I grow up, I want to be like Richard Johnson."

Aidan Coleman said: "Richard Johnson has been my hero from when he spoke to me on my first ever ride, can't find the words to describe what he means to me from both a personal and professional point of view."

Sam Twiston-Davies said: "Can't believe the news, @dickyjohnson77 not just a legend but a hero to so many. Not just one of the best in the world, but also one of the nicest. Happy retirement #hero."

Harry Skelton, who is battling to be champion jockey this year, added: "Words wouldn't be able to describe how good a person Richard Johnson is. He is the ultimate role model to any human in general life, not just a jockey. Happy retirement @dickyjohnson77 #champion."

Jonjo O'Neill jnr, last year's champion conditional, said: "The ultimate role model to anyone growing up. So determined, yet so humble and gracious.

"People like him just aren't made every day. Strong as an ox, the ultimate champion. Just an unbelievable man."