Veteran jockey Chris Johnson established a new national record for race victories on Saturday at Awapuni when Sassenach provided him with win 2452 in New Zealand.
The 56-year-old required one winner to surpass the previous mark set by David Walsh after drawing level at Invercargill last Saturday. In typical Johnson fashion he set the new benchmark in spectacular style with a ride befitting the occasion.
Johnson dropped the Austin Brown-trained five-year-old mare to the rear of the field in the rating 65 2100m contest, saving every inch 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 through to the lead in the shadows of the post and claimed his place in New Zealand racing history.
It has been an up-and-down journey for Johnson to reach the milestone, having battled officialdom and personal demons but the record is testament to his persistence, longevity and determination.
"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 said.
“It took a while 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.
“I’ve got no plans to retire and while I can still ride, I just hope to keep going.”
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. He has gone on to win the 1000 Guineas on three further occasions, aboard Phillipa Rush in 1989, Tartan Tights in 1994 and Tycoon Lil in 1997.
But perhaps his signature race has been the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham, a race he has won five times with wins aboard Domino in 1990, Tartan Tights in 1995, Sawadtee in 1997, Tycoon Lil in 1998 and Savvy Coup in 2018.
Johnson rode Hall of Fame galloper Rough Habit to win the Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham in 1992, while Loader provided him with the 1996 Group One sprint double of the Railway and Telegraph.
High-class mare Final Touch has been his most successful Group One mount with wins in the 2013 Telegraph, 2013 Waikato Sprint and 2014 Captain Cook Stakes for staunch supporters John and Karen Parsons.
Johnson rode his first winner at his very first ride on New Year's Day 1981, guiding Noble Star to success at Tauherenikau for his boss, Woodville trainer Scott Hammersley.
He has gone on to establish himself as one of New Zealand's most talented riders, also winning several jumping features including Grand National Hurdles (4200m) wins at Riccarton aboard Ampac in 1989, Woodbine Blue Chip in 1993 and Kid Colombus in 2011.
What has made his record all the more meritorious is that he took a break from riding for seven years from 1998, taking time out to travel overseas before returning home to work on farms and in stables before he resumed riding in 2005. – NZ Racing Desk
