Stewards’ move angers Johnston

Press, 28 November 1987, Page 38

Stewards’ move angers Johnston

NZPA-AAP Sydney An angry Malcolm Johnston said on Wednesday that he would not be curbing his aggressive riding style and also criticised his treatment by stewards after a clearance to ride in Japan next week was turned down by the Australian Jockey Club committee. Johnston, who was suspended for nine metropolitan meetings at Warwick Farm last Saturday, was bitterly disappointed with the decision which will stop him representing Australia in an international series in Japan. Johnston’s solicitor, Michael Stiles, had sent a letter to the committee requesting the clearance. “It is just another kick in the arse,” said Johnston. “I am not going to change my style for Mr Schreck (the A.J.C. chief steward) and his fellow stewards just because they keep rubbing me out."

Johnston was invited to ride in Japan by the Japanese Racing Association and his visit had been heavily promoted in the countiy. A documentary filmed in Sydney has been shown on Japan television. “I had the chance to ride for my country in Japan but they couldn't care less," he said. “The trip to Japan has been organised for six months and I was committed to go. It was a promotion for Australian racing but now I’ll just stay home and sharpen up my golf.” Johnston, whose latest suspension is the thirtyninth of his stormy but brilliant career, said he had remained quiet for too long and it was about time the stewards realised what they were doing to the sport “I am an aggressive person who does his best to try and win. Sure, I should cop time if I do the wrong thing but the stewards seem to make it

tougher each time. “I got nine meetings on Saturday when most other jockeys would have got five. I am so cheesed off and it’s about time they knew it,” he said. He said the racing public would see a new John- ‘ ston when he returned to the saddle. » “No more nice guy. No 'more promotion of thp sport through newspaper, television, and radio interviews," said Johnston. He added that while his offtrack attitude would change, his aggressive riding style would remain the same. ~ . “I asked my wife Gail whether I should take it easy in races but she said don’t change and what she says goes,” he said. “The stewards can do what they like to me but they will never drive me out of racing.” A fellow Sydney rider, Mick Dittman, is already in Japan and appears certain to take Johnston's invitation to represent Australia.