This time of year always brings back grand memories for Malcolm ‘Miracle’ Johnston.
The 1980 Cox Plate winning jockey always has a spring in his step when the famous Moonee Valley carnival rolls around.
And this year, the ever-jovial Johnston has even more to smile about after claiming his first Wentworth Park winner and subsequent treble as a greyhound owner on Thursday night.
Unleash Beetson, Magical Ang and Hotshot Lily won races seven, eight and nine for the former Kingston Town hoop who was trackside for the victories.
“I was at Wenty Park with bells on. It’s just fantastic this sport and I’ve officially gone crazy for greyhounds,” a beaming Johnston said on Friday.
“I’ve only got a small piece of these dogs thanks to my really good mate George Kairouz but what a ride it’s been already. George and our trainer Peter Lagogiane are just the best in the business and they’ve made this whole experience so enjoyable.”
Johnston first dipped his toe into the ownership world by purchasing a pup called King Can’t Win a couple of years ago.
The son of Beast Unleashed, named after the famous race call from Bill Collins in the 1982 Cox Plate, ironically went on to claim 11 races before retiring to Johnston’s house.
King Can't Win after another race victory with Malcolm Johnston and family
“He’s at home now laying on my bloody lounge. I really wanted to look after him because of my relationship with the late Terry Hill and George so he’s part of the furniture now,” he said.
“These two litters we’ve got going now out of Pay Call and She’s A Hotshot are flying. We had the three winners last night but Magical Saide and Unleash Shirley also ran second so it was a night I won’t forget.”
“I’ve just fallen in love with the greyhounds mate. I helped name Unleash Beetson, he’s named after Arthur Beetson obviously who was one of my absolute favourite footballers and from day dot, he’s always been a really nice dog so it was good to see him at Wenty for the first time.”
“But I can’t recommend George [Kairouz] and Peter Lagogiane enough. They are the best owner/trainer combination in the game. Pete’s attention to detail is better than all, he loves the animal, he’s patient, what he does around his kennel is amazing, he’s a pro and he gets results.”
'Miracle' Mal Johnston with a kiss of approval for one of his newfound greyhound friends
As for ‘Miracle’s’ tip for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate on Saturday afternoon.
“I like Antino, I think Blake Shinn is one of the best jockey’s I’ve ever seen and I think the race lacks an absolute superstar this year,” he said.
“Via Sistina was superb last year but I just don’t think she’s going as well this time around. I think Blake will take off at the school and they won’t be able to catch him.”
