with Murray Owles
One of the highlights of the Ruakaka racing meet today is the return of promising apprentice jockey Danielle Johnson from injury.
Her last competitive act on a racecourse was to fly like Superman out of the middle of a four-horse pile-up at Tauranga. Launched over the reins, she was
lucky to escape with a broken wrist.
The injury has sidelined her for two months, temporarily stalling a promising career that has seen her chalk up over 80 winners in less than two seasons of riding.
To say that Danielle Johnson was born with racing in her blood is an understatement. Her father is former champion New Zealand jockey Peter Johnson, who is one of New Zealand's most successful jockeys.
Johnson is renowned for his toughness, a trait he has clearly passed on to his daughter, although their respective riding styles could not be more different.
Danielle's mother Annabelle, to whom she is now apprenticed, trains a small team.
Danielle has a unique, yet highly effective style.
She gets her weight well forward up over the horses wither, a galloping thoroughbred's centre of gravity.
Danielle is the first to admit she expects further improvement in her ability to ride with the whip at the business end of the race.
Her riding style could be compared to a promising young golfer who has an outstanding natural swing - a foundation that experience and practice will eventually perfect.
There are also other factors that indicate Danielle will continue to improve as a jockey, mainly her parental managerial team.
In an industry where many are guilty of spending their loot, the Johnsons know all about business and have a fantastic portfolio outside of racing.
Danielle is also looking to diversify her skills, recently negotiating work experience opportunities with TV3 news.
Her desire to add reporting skills to the equine ones already learned will offer momentum to a riding career that will invariably be interrupted by occasional injury and suspension.
Danielle's likely battle with James McDonald for this season's apprenticeship championship will be a most riveting contest.
Today she eases back into riding with three rides, the best of which looks to be Aristico in race four.
