KEY POINTS:
Racing authorities should find the person who gave Chris Johnson a horse to break in four years ago and shout them a few cases of wine.
They're worth it.
But for that one horse Johnson would almost certainly still be putting milking cups on cows' teats.
The Chris
Johnson who rode four winners at Matamata on Saturday is a totally reborn version of the wild child we watched through the 1980s and 90s.
It was a healthy, happy Johnson who answered endless questions outside the jockeys' room after Bonjour's $65,000 Wealleans Matamata Cup victory, clearly appreciating that he has given his wonderful talent a second chance.
He was lost to racing for a few years, but not permanently.
The Johnson of old always seemed a touch wary around the press as he fought his battle against his partying lifestyle and resulting chronic weight problems.
The diet these days is chicken and vegetables.
"I'm eating small portions, rather than not eating anything at all."
Even the tipple has changed.
"I'm enjoying a couple of red wines at night now - I find I wake up lighter the next day after red wine."
The net effect is a horseman of remarkable depth.
The North Canterbury jockey's timing in bringing his mounts into the race is exquisite.
He used it to perfection in all four of his winners at Otaki on Thursday and again in each of the quartet of victories on Saturday.
Like many who return to riding after a decent break, Johnson found it took time to rediscover his rhythm.
It took Lance O'Sullivan a full season's riding to become the Lance O'Sullivan of old after horrendous leg injuries in his Moonee Valley race fall.
Johnson didn't have O'Sullivan's injuries to rehabilitate from, but he admits the old juices didn't come instantly flowing back.
"It takes a fair while to get the body back into it. It took me a long time. actually."
Johnson's last winner before his first retirement was Just Anything at Riccarton in early August 1998.
He rode on average a winner a week in his first 2005-2006 comeback season then burst on to the scene to finish second to Lisa Cropp on the premiership last season.
He is second on that list again, behind Michael Walker, and being able to ride successfully over fences and in highweights gives him a real shot at this season's premiership.
"I'll wait and see where I am on the list after about eight months of the season before deciding whether to have a real shot at it."
That decision will encompass whether Johnson rides over fences next winter.
"I probably will if I get something decent to ride.
"I'm not worried either way."
At a winner every 4.78 rides, Johnson has the country's best strike rate for jockeys who have ridden eight or more winners.
Johnson has never been a goal-setter, but like every jockey, there is one race he'd dearly love to win - the Melbourne Cup.
He's had three attempts, but is realistic enough to know he may not get another.
"These days those Melbourne Cup-type stayers are few and far between."
