Cover image by Peter Rubery courtesy of Race Images
Johnson, 56, was at his typically cool best on Sassenach and allowed the Austin Brown-trained mare to settle back in the field and weaved his way between runners late to reach his memorable milestone.
He had drawn level with David Walsh’s mark of 2451 when he guided Point Score (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}) at Invercargill and only had to wait a week to take sole charge of New Zealand’s riding record.
“It took a while to equal the record and I’ve finally got there so it’s good to get it done,” Johnson said. “In the last few days I was hoping to get that win and thought I was probably trying too hard, but I was a bit more relaxed today and it came.
“I’ve got so many people to thank and too many to name, but they know who they are. A lot of great trainers and owners have supported me and kept me in the business.”
Brace of Premierships
Johnson has twice won the New Zealand Jockeys’ Premiership and has posted 21 Group 1 victories among his tally of 136 black-type successes.
Rough Habit (NZ) (Roughcast {USA}), Canterbury Belle (NZ) (Beaufort Sea {USA}), Tycoon Lil (Last Tycoon {Ire}), Final Touch (NZ) (Kashani {USA}), Domino (NZ) (Grosvenor) and Savvy Coup (NZ) (Savabeel) have been among the best-performed horses he has been associated with.
“Racing has been good to me and I’ve been very lucky to have ridden so many great horses. They made my job easy and made me look good,” Johnson said.
“I didn’t have much to do with horses as a kid, but when I did they seemed to take a liking to me and I love them. My hat goes off to all those horses for their courage, they’ve done everything for me.”
Chris Johnson crosses the line aboard his 2451st winner Sassenach (NZ) | Image by Peter Rubery courtesy of Race Images
The Canterbury-based Johnson said he intended to continue with his riding career and had no thoughts of hanging up his saddle.
“I’ve got no plans to retire at the moment and hope to keep on going for a while longer.”
“I’ve got no plans to retire at the moment and hope to keep on going for a while longer.” – Chris Johnson
Johnson rode his first winner at his very first ride on New Year's Day 1981, guiding Noble Star (NZ) (Noble Bijou {USA}) to success at Tauherenikau for his boss, Woodville trainer Scott Hammersley.
He has also ridden with success over fences, winning several jumping features including the Grand National Hurdles at Riccarton aboard Ampac (NZ) (Norfolk Air {GB}) in 1989, Woodbine Blue Chip (NZ) (Euphronius {USA}) in 1993 and Kid Colombus (NZ) (Columbia {NZ}) in 2011.
What has made Johnson’s 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.
He has also battled alcohol-related issues and served a two-month drug-related suspension in 2016 before seeking help through the Salvation Army racetrack chaplain.
