Corey Johnson gets his 200th winner

Aided by his aerodynamic hairstyle, popular young harness racing reinsman. Corey Johnson, registered a personal milestone during the weekend.

Heading to Globe Derby on Saturday night with 199 wins to his credit, Johnson reached the double century by partnering Winsome Ruby to a minor upset.

Rating 2:01.9 over 2230 metres, Winsome Ruby (Bacardi Lindy) scored as the $4.60 second elect as Piesridingshotgun and Willis Graham filled the placings.

Short-priced favourite Aldebaran Stiles lost all chance by breaking stride before finishing seventh.

“I didn’t realise I was close to 200 until Mum told me,” Johnson said. “I still remember my first winner, which was Emerging Art, in June 2019.

“There’s been a few years in between, but getting a winner doesn’t get any less exciting.”

WINSOME RUBY REPLAY

Like most locals, Johnson receives limited opportunities compared to his interstate counterparts, so his double ton from just a handful of seasons is a significant achievement.

In fact, the 20-year-old rarely drives favourites, which has earned him the moniker “Longshot Johnson” after emerging triumphant with the likes of Alemeria, which paid $68.70 on the Tote, and Emerging Art, which upstage his more fancied rivals at $51.10.

Another of Johnson’s winners – The Octagon – paid a lazy $66.60!

While the obvious response would be it’s due to his prowess in the sulky, Johnson offered a different perspective – his golden tresses.

“It’s the hair,” Johnson joked. “It not only offers wind resistance, but it looks good.

“Think of it like my winged keel or even a Sampson-esque accessory…it’s where I get my power from.”

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From HRSA Media