Image © Healy Racing
Name: Jack Johnson
Age: 18
From: Newtonabbey, Co. Antrim
What is your background in horses?
There’s no background at all in my family with horses. I took a keen interest in racing from watching it on TV when I was about six. My brother Adam and I went for a few riding lessons, but he got bucked off one of the naughty ponies and Dad never took us back. My brother Adam hasn’t sat on a horse since!
When I was around 12 or 13, I really wanted to get back into horses, but I had to wait until I was 15. I started lessons at Laurelview Equestrian Centre and then got a weekend job while still at school with Warren Ewing.
Warren advised me to go to Stuart Crawford’s mum Edith for lessons. Edith was brilliant. She must have seen something in me, because soon after that, I was riding out the racehorses at Stuart’s, and that was it.
Warren advised me to go to Stuart Crawford’s mum Edith for lessons. Edith was brilliant. She must have seen something in me, because soon after that, I was riding out the racehorses at Stuart’s, and that was it.
Everything I know I’ve learned from Edith Crawford, Stuart, Ben, Stephen and Ross Crawford, and Stephen Connor.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
One of the instructors at Laurelview, Claire, worked for Paul Traynor at the time. Paul was up one day shoeing a horse for Warren and said he had a few retired racehorses that I could come up and ride. I went to Paul’s on a Sunday morning and sat on a horse called Boing. The second racehorse I rode was Rapid Times, just in a lunge pen at Warren’s.
Where do you work full-time?
After finishing my GCSEs, I left school at 16 and started full-time with Stuart Crawford, where I’ve been ever since.
How did the ride on Colvin come about?
I got my licence in April, and we were looking for something that might be competitive in point-to-points for me to ride. Stuart’s brother Ross mentioned that some of his owners were moving horses on. I always follow their runners, and when he mentioned Colvin, I thought he might suit me.
My dad Martin, grandad Samuel McCullagh and I put a few quid together to buy him. It’s the first time my family had ever owned a horse. We don’t have a lot of money or any experience in racing, so for them to do that for me was very special, and I’m hugely grateful.
Were you expecting Colvin to run well?
At Portrush, the plan was just to get a feel for him and if he wasn’t travelling, I was to pull up and run the next week at Loughanmore. I sat well out the back, and he filled me with confidence everywhere, finishing third.
That run gave me a huge boost heading to Loughanmore. He came out of the race fresh and happy, so we ran again, and I was quietly confident we could go close.
That run gave me a huge boost heading to Loughanmore. He came out of the race fresh and happy, so we ran again, and I was quietly confident we could go close.
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Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It’s an indescribable feeling. Pure euphoria!
I didn’t know what to do with myself. Maybe I got a bit carried away because the stewards called me in for celebrating too early! They just gave me a friendly word in the ear for my own benefit, and told me not to be doing that again.
Still, it’s the best feeling in the world.
You beat Derek O’Connor and Barry O’Neill that day - were you aware of that?
Yes, the three of us jumped the last upsides, I knew I was beside Derek because it was getting tight to the wings, and I shouted for a bit of room.
To beat two of the best amateurs of all time for my first winner was unbelievable.
Were your family there on the day?
Yes, everyone was there, Dad, Grandad, Mum Tina and my other grandparents too.
There were no big celebrations; it was a quiet night, and I was back in work early the next morning to check Colvin.
What’s the plan for Colvin now?
He was just bought as a fun horse for me, so we’ll go for a winners’ race and see how we get on. I couldn’t have imagined things starting this well.
Was it always the plan to take out your licence?
It was always the dream. I only seriously thought about it after doing a schooling preparation course at RACE with Paddy Flood. Paddy said I was ready for it, so I applied straight after.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
Growing up, I watched Ruby Walsh and AP McCoy. Stuart Crawford has been a huge influence too, he took me on when I knew almost nothing and has taught me everything. He’s brilliant for giving advice and pointers.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
Stephen Connor is fantastic. I can always go to him if I need help or guidance. All the Crawford brothers are great; they’re always willing to give me advice.
Any interests or hobbies outside racing?
I don’t play any sports, but I’m a big fan of Formula 1, boxing and golf. I enjoy watching most sports.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
To keep improving, get more spins and stay in one piece! If I can do that, I’ll be happy.
Anything you’d like to add?
A big thank-you to Edith Crawford, who first believed in me and got me started at Stuart’s, without her, none of this would have happened.
Thanks also to the Crawford brothers, Stuart, Ben, Stephen, Ross, and Stephen Connor for all their guidance, and to Mum, Dad and the rest of my family for their constant support and encouragement.
A big thank-you to Edith Crawford, who first believed in me and got me started at Stuart’s, without her, none of this would have happened.
Thanks also to the Crawford brothers, Stuart, Ben, Stephen, Ross, and Stephen Connor for all their guidance, and to Mum, Dad and the rest of my family for their constant support and encouragement.
As a bonus for talented new point-to-point riders who feature in p2p.ie series of NextGen articles, Dungar Quality Oats will sponsor a special draw where one of the riders will win a cash prize of €500. All NextGen featured jockeys who have ridden their first point-to-point winner will be automatically entered into this draw. The draw will be conducted and prize winner announced at the end of the point-to-point season.
