The 24-year-old jockey had been sidelined since sustaining a broken right leg in a fall at Exeter last October.

He partnered Balanak in the Annual Membership Selling Hurdle at Plumpton on his first ride back.

But there was to be no fairytale return for the rider as his mount trailed home in fifth place, well behind 100-30 winner Tom Tailor.

However, Johnson was still presented with a bottle of champagne by racecourse officials to mark his comeback.

His injured leg, which now contains a metal rod designed to strengthen the bone, was given a stern test by Balanak, who needed plenty of persuasion to remain in contention.

"I'm blowing a bit more than I should be but that was just what I needed," Johnson said.

"I feel fine and the leg feels good. In a way it was probably better for me and I rode a horse who is a bit of a character.

"I've gone through the motions as such, and know I'm looking forward to my next ride."

Johnson will partner useful novice chaser Dark'n Sharp for Richard Phillips at Doncaster on Friday before having "three or four rides" at Cheltenham on Saturday.

"Watching the big races on television has been very frustrating for me. It is a pleasure just to ride in them and I missed it a lot," said Johnson.