THE new trophy which will be presented to Stobart champion jumps jockey Richard Johnson at Sandown tomorrow was unveiled at Asprey of London earlier this week.

The new perpetual trophy was commissioned by Great British Racing after the former trophy was given to 20-time champion Sir Anthony McCoy in honour of his achievements and on his retirement last year.

McCoy, who was part of the panel which selected Asprey to design and create the trophy, and who will hand it over to Johnson at Sandown, said: "The new trophy is better than I could ever have imagined and represents what it means to be champion jockey.

"To become champion jockey can be your greatest achievement, and the trophy needed to represent that. I think this trophy does – it's iconic, it's different, it has a lot of presence and is perfectly designed.

"The only negative is that it won't be me collecting it come Saturday, but I couldn't think of anybody more deserving than Richard."

The top of the trophy is engraved with the words "Bravery, Dedication, Resilience, Talent", while the silver gilt panel around its centre is hand-engraved with the image of McCoy on his way to winning the 2010 Grand National on Don't Push It.

While McCoy has left a void in the jumping game, Johnson has been fantastic this year and is a worthy champion.

On Wednesday, Catterick was bathed in glorious sunshine and some of the action was pretty hot as well.

In particular, Lavetta's performance in the seven-furlong handicap stood out, coming home clear in the closing stages for Alan Swinbank in the famous Guy Reed Racing colours.

Afterwards, the winning trainer said: "Lavetta is nicely bred and she looks a million dollars. We will step her up to a mile next time and she is still progressing."

Jockey Joe Fanning said: "I love riding in these colours; she stood out at the start and is in the right hands with Alan as he excels with these types.

"I wouldn't like to say what the ceiling of her ability is as she will improve for a step up in trip and remains an exciting prospect, for sure."

Micky Hammond continues to churn out the winners and added another one to the tally when Russian Royale took the staying handicap under PJ McDonald.

A delighted winning trainer said: "Russian Royale has had a good season over hurdles and we felt there was a Flat race in her. She will probably mix the two in the summer and hopefully give the owners plenty of fun."

It will be an exciting week ahead for Mark Johnston and his Middleham team as he bids to win another 1,000 Guineas next weekend at Newmarket, this time with Lumiere.

Winner of the Cheveley Park Stakes last year, Lumiere has been the subject of repeated positive bulletins through the spring and there is no sign of connections easing back on their statements with the first fillies' Classic only nine days away.

Lumiere, owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, has sharpened up for the Guineas with a pair of racecourse gallops at Haydock and Newmarket and Johnston could not be happier with the filly.

"Everything is on target for the 1,000 Guineas," Johnston said. "On ratings we're not the top horse in this race, so it's a bit crazy to say nothing but winning would do, but she's that type of horse and held in that sort of regard at home. We think of her as up there in our all-time top three."

Like Attraction, Johnston's previous winner of the 1,000 Guineas, much of the focus this winter has been on whether Lumiere's bold running style will allow her to get the one-mile trip at Newmarket.

But there are no concerns from Johnston and he said: "We've concentrated on getting her settled at home and she's been very relaxed on both her racecourse gallops, but I wouldn't count on that in a Guineas field when the stalls open. This filly is very fast, but I don't see any reason why she shouldn't stay every inch of the mile."

The Classic trip is more of a worry for Johnston when assessing the chances of his Coventry Stakes winner Buratino, who runs 24 hours before Lumiere in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.

Johnston said: "He didn't run beyond six furlongs last year, but if you look at the Middle Park, in another half-furlong I think (winner) Shalaa would have had something to think about.

"He showed us that day he certainly stays beyond six furlongs and I've got to hope he's going to be even better at a mile. He's got every chance."