Johnston-Porter Reaches A Century
Top Perth jockey Clint Johnston-Porter reached a personal milestone when he brought up a century of winners for the first time as a senior rider at Belmont today (Wednesday).
Back from a 10-day suspension, the gun 23-year-old hoop didn’t have to wait too long to reach the target when he guided home smart filly Harmika in the opening event.
First up since last September, the Adam Durrant-trained three-year-old signalled a sign of good times ahead when she cruised to an easy 2 length win over Critical Altitude in the Glenroy Chaff Maiden (1000m).
Johnston-Porter surpassed last season’s tally of 94 wins and is just seven shy of passing 107 victories that he set as an apprentice in the 2015-16 season, a year after his introduction to racing.
Johnston-Porter was proud of his accomplishment, but humbly deflected all praise to Durrant, Perth’s multiple leading trainer and a mainstay of his career from apprentice to senior rider.
“I’m proud of myself, but Adam has supported me a lot,” Johnston-Porter said.
“Without him I don’t get close to that 100 wins right now.
“Riding a V8 like the one I just rode then (Harmika) has helped me a lot.”
Durrant’s long-time deputy and stable foreman Jason Miller has also been able to eye witness Johnston Porter’s growth as a rider.
He declared he’s seen substantial improvement and confidence in the past year.
“Look, in the past 12-months he has gone to another level,” Miller said.
“He’s been around our stable for a long time and I’ve watched him grow and develop.
“It’s very rewarding for him and us to see him achieve what he has been able to achieve.
“It’s a 100 winners and still five months of the season to go.
“Hopefully he can notch the 200.”
Harmika opened her winning account after a second and a third in her first two starts last year.
Johnston-Porter predicts a big future for the daughter of Rogano.
“I honestly think she is a black type horse in the future,” Johnston-Porter said.
“Her win then was so easy, she jumped and put herself in a winning position.
“She did it on her ear and is a very nice horse.”
Johnston-Porter is fast closing the gap as leading Australian rider.
He’s second and 31 wins adrift of William Pike in the national jockey’s premiership.
He’s also second in the Perth premiership, but is certain to go past Pike after his relocation to Sydney.
Julio Santarelli