HORSE RACING fans saluted the North-East last week as a County Durham trainer and jockey secured their places among the sport's elite.

Trainer Howard Johnson and jockey Graham Lee beat the odds to claim the titles of leading trainer and jockey on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival last Friday.

It was the icing on the cake for the pair who, along with multi-millionaire Graham Wylie, managed three victories at one of the biggest festivals on the racing calendar.

The team may have just missed out on clinching the Cheltenham Gold Cup after a fantastic run by Grey Abbey but there was little room for disappointment after what is probably their best week in racing yet.

Inglis Drever put the seal on a Cheltenham treble for the trainer on Thursday, who immediately paid tribute to the North-East's part in the success.

Mr Johnson, who sent Arcalis and No Refuge to victory earlier in the week, put the success down to the rugged Wear Valley landscape around his farm near Crook, which helped Inglis Drever muster up the stamina to conquer Cheltenham's famous hill. He said: "I knew he'd come up the hill.

"We've got one that's high and steep at home. When he's on form, he goes up our hill great.

"That's the secret about training our horses - going up steep hills. It seems to get their wind right and helps them be fit and healthy.''

Inglis Drever's win over French horse Baracouda in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle Trophy capped a trio of wins for horses trained by Mr Johnson, ridden by jockey Graham Lee and owned by Graham Wylie, the millionaire co-founder of computer software company Sage.

The winning streak brought racing fans in Mr Johnson's home town into the betting shops in droves.

John Styles, manager of the town's Ladbrokes, said takings were up by about 20 per cent.

Jim Allen, general manager of Sedgefield Racecourse, said the partnership got a lot of support.

He said: "I think all of the staff here have backed at least one of their horses. Graham Wylie used to be a director here so we're really happy they've done well.

"It is fantastic for the North."

Mr Wylie said: "It's all down to Howard and to Graham.

"Howard's spent a lot of time getting the horses ready. He's done a brilliant job."

Mr Johnson's wife Sue said that everyone 'was on top of the world.'

She said: "We are coming home with beautiful trophies and a lot of fantastic memories."

Although Grey Abbey ran a good race in the Gold Cup, the final few fences took their toll. The horse eventually finished a creditable fifth, in what proved to be its last race.

Mrs Johnson said: "We always knew Grey Abbey was probably going to be retired and he has done very well. He has finished sound and that is the best we could wish for.

"He has won three good races this year and he is a hero - a legend to us. This is absolutely far and away the best time we have ever had."

Until last week Mr Johnson had only had one winner at the Cheltenham festival and that was 12 years ago.