Champion jockey Richard Johnson chats to the Queen about racing as he receives his OBE

RICHARD JOHNSON received his OBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

The three-time champion jockey was honoured for his services to racing.

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Johnson, 41, revealed that he had a brief chat with the Queen about the sport when collecting his award.

Johnson said: "She asked me how the championship is going - and obviously Cheltenham is just around the corner.

"She is very engaging, and obviously it was a privilege for me that she presented the award.

"Obviously she does not do all of these ceremonies, so to get here and discover she was doing this one left me feeling that I could not be more pleased.

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"It has been a fantastic day and just a big honour to receive the award."

Johnson dated the Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips at the turn of the century before they split in 2003.

He has ridden over 3,500 winners in his career, including two Cheltenham Gold Cups.