Top jockey’s advice paid off

Press, 28 November 1977, Page 18

Top jockey’s advice paid off

The Woodville apprentice, Lee Johnson, sought the advice of the leading jockey, David Peake, before he went out to ride Regel in the N.A.C. Apprentice Special at Ellerslie on Saturday. And he profited from some expert schooling by bringing the Takanini four- '

year-old out on top after a battle with Honest Monee and Noble Boy. Johnson, who turned 18 the week-end before, has now ridden 31 winners, and he found his thirtyfirst even more exciting than his first, which was on Candidate at Nelson in 1976.

For his win on Saturday Johnson won clothing worth $250. Waikato’s Kim Burke and Martin Dunlop (Auckland) also won prizes, which were presented by the widow of Wally Hooton, who died the week before last.

The late Mr Hooton, one of New Zealand’s top race riders in the 1950 s was the New Zealand Racing Conference’s riding master for several years, and did much valuable work in the schooling of apprentices. The four South Islanders

who rode in the N.A.C. Ap prentice Special oi Saturday, did not draw forn runners. The closest of then to a place was Riccarton'! Brian Hibberd on Star Echo They finished sixth coming from the back, and wide or the home turn, where th< false rail was out.

Other South Island ap prentices to appear in thi $3300 feature 1600 m raci were J. C. Collett (Sblai Realm), P. M. Collins (Alv« Brae), and S. J. Princf (Oakvale).