Magic ride conjures NZ record 2452 for Johnson
VETERAN jockey Chris
Johnson bagged a new national record for race wins at Awapuni, when Sassenach sealed victory 2452 in New Zealand yesterday.
The 56-year-old required one winner to surpass the previous mark set by good mate David Walsh after drawing level at Invercargill last Saturday. In typical ‘Magic’ Johnson fashion he set the new benchmark in spectacular style.
Johnson dropped the Austin Brown-trained 5-year-old mare to the rear of the field in the 2100m contest, saving every centimetre of ground throughout, before beginning to hunt for a gap between runners approaching the home turn.
Johnson bided his time and when the field opened up at the 250m, he drove Sassenach ($11) through to the lead in the shadows of the post, claiming his place in racing history.
It has been an up-and-down journey for Johnson to reach the milestone, having battled officialdom and personal demons with alcohol — but the record is testament to his persistence, longevity and determination, since starting out at nearby Woodville as a talented apprentice rider.
‘‘It’s been a long road, but I’ve always said it will happen when it happens. I’ve had a lot of support over the years, with so many people to thank,’’ Johnson, now based in Canterbury, said.
‘‘It took awhile to get the one to equal the record and now I’ve finally got there.
‘‘Racing has been good to me and I’ve been lucky to ride some very good horses along the way.
‘‘I do love my horses and my hat goes off to them for their courage and determination.’’
Johnson won his first premiership in the 1995-96 season with 139 wins, a tally that remains his best, though he was able to add a second premiership title with 112 wins in 2017-18.
He has won 21 Group One races going back to the 1984 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton, when he guided Canterbury Belle to success.
High-class mare Final Touch has been his most successful G1 mount withwins in the 2013 Telegraph, 2013 Waikato Sprint and 2014 Captain Cook Stakes for staunch supporters, North Canterbury trainers John and Karen Parsons.
Johnson rode his first winner at his very first ride on New Year’s Day 1981, guidingNoble Star to success at Tauherenikau for his boss, Woodville trainer Scott Hammersley. He took a break for seven years from 1998.