Johnson ‘Over The Moon' With Silver Collar Success

YOUNG kiwi mentor Jack Johnson achieved his ambition in greyhound racing by training his first Group 1 winner with race outsider Opawa Corban in the Duke Of Edinburgh Silver Collar Final (779m) at Auckland on Sunday.

At his 40th career start, Opawa Corban, a son of My Bro Fabio and Opawa Sophie, surged late to roll race favourite Chief Dribble and Little Dodo, winning by five lengths in a time of 47.23 in a breakthrough moment for the 20-year-old conditioner.

Opawa Corban, owned by Peter McDermott, has won nine of his 40 starts.

He has also competed in races like the Kingston Cup, NZ Stayers Cup, Ray Adcock Memorial, and Wanganui Stayers.

Johnson found his way in the sport with the guidance of top mentors he worked under, gaining valuable knowledge along the way.

By the time he turned 18, he had earned his trainer's license and became a rising trainer in the NZ ranks.

Jack is the son of legendary jockey Chris Johnson, the most successful rider in New Zealand history, with nearly 3,000 wins to his name.  

“I'm over the moon with the win,” Johnson said.

“Opawa Corban has been getting better with every run this campaign.

“His performance in last week's heats was his best so far, and he capped it off with an even stronger run in the final.”

Opawa Corban had only been in Jack's kennel for four starts before claiming the Silver Collar. With Matt Roberts' guidance, the dog has made a remarkable comeback to winning form – his last win was at Wanganui (Hatrick) back in August last year.

Jack works with Roberts and currently has ten dogs in training on the same property.

“The dog had come to Matt's for a break in the paddock for five months, during which I got the chance to train him,” Johnson said.

Jack was quick to praise his mentors and those who guided him on his journey so far.

“I started working for Dave and Jean Fahey when I was around sixteen, and I learned so much from them,” Johnson said.

“Eventually, I worked for Matt, followed by Andy and Janine McCook. When I turned 18, I began training myself.”

Johnson first experienced the thrill of victory at Addington in 2022 with Allegro Marshy.

In recent years, his efforts were acknowledged by the GRNZ board through the prestigious Youth Award.

The Roberts family was thrilled with Johnson's Silver Collar win as he finished in the top two alongside his boss – a truly great moment.

“From day one, even before I started training, the goal was to get a Group 1,” Johnson said.

“I was lucky to have two finalists in the race, one finishing first and the other fourth.”