RICHARD Johnson brought up his half-century for the season with a comfortable victory at Worcester last night.

Johnson, on Taming, won the two-and-a-half mile novice hurdle at Pitchcroft as Worcester punters enjoyed another top class evening of racing.

Despite his cracking start to the season, Johnson again finds himself trailing Tony McCoy in the jockeys' list, but he is within striking distance of the champion and the Worcester win was sweet considering Taming was originally due to be ridden by McCoy.

"Tony is suspended for a couple of days and it's nice to pick up one of his spares," said Johnson.

"Overall I'm delighted with the way things have been going so far. Now it's a matter of kicking on and aiming for the next 50 winners."

The handicap chase proved to be one of the best races on show with April Spirit, a 9-1 shot, storming to victory as the rain lashed down at Pitchcroft.

Brooksie responded well in the handicap hurdle, beating off the challenge of Douceur des Songes in a dramatic finish.

Native Approach took the honours in National Hunt flat race.

6.45: 1, Taming 4-6 F (R Johnson); 2, Stafford King 10-3; 3, Black Secret 40-1. Tote Win £1.80. Pl £1.10, £1.10, £9.30. Trainer: Venetia Williams. Distances:13l, dist. 10 ran.

7.15: 1 Something Dandy 12-1 (L Aspell); 2 Silver Gift 12-1; 3 Jolly John 9-2 F; Tote Win £11.90. Pl £4.40, £2.50, £2.10. Trainer: J Old. Distances: 1/2l, 21l. 13 ran.

7.45: 1 Broke Road 5-1 (R Johnson); 2 Jones Lad 11-1; 3 Yakareem 12-1. Tote Win £6.30. Pl £2.40, £2.30, £2.90. Trainer: H Dalton. Distances: 2 1/2l, 2 1/2l. Zurs 10-3 fav. 9 ran.

8.15: 1 Brooksie 4-1 (S Durack); 2 Douceur des Songes 5-4 F; 3 Donatus 11-1; Tote Win £5.40. Pl £2.50, £1.10. Trainer: K George. Distances:1 3/4l, 15l. 7 ran.

8.45: 1 April Spirit 9-1 (S Durack); 2 Uncle Teddy 8-1; 3 Laazim Afooz 6-1. Tote Win £8.50. Pl £2.20, £2.50, £1.90. Trainer: S Smith. Distances: 2l, 23l. Spanish Archer 11-2 fav. 14 ran.

9.15: 1 Native Approach 5-4F (M Fitzgerald); 2 Coulters Candy 33-1; 3 The Secretary 14-1. Tote Win £2.50. Pl £1.10, £9.70, £5.40. Trainer: N Henderson. Distances: 1 3/4l, 4l. 15 ran.