French connection awaits for Emily Johnson

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

Talented northern junior driver Emily Johnson is heading to Europe tonight to link up with one of France's top stables for the next three weeks.

The visit is part of a programme tentatively called the "FRENZ Connection".

No formal agreement has been confirmed as yet though it's been proposed that this will be the first of a reciprocal arrangement between the two countries, with Kiwi drivers going there one year and their French counterparts coming here the next.

"The French are very keen to expand their relationship with us," says Waikato-based trainer Sean McCaffrey, who came up with the idea.

"France is just a juggernaut when it comes to trotters - I was there once on Bastille day and they had 29 race meetings that day!".

McCaffrey's been to France a number of times and mentioned the idea during a recent trip.

"They have been fantastic and very obliging."

Emily Johnson, who works at McCaffrey's stables in Tamahere, is the first recipient.

"In some ways Emily will iron out the kinks and find out what works and what doesn't," says McCaffrey.

The trip is being financed by a generous donor with McCaffrey hopeful that a more formal sponsorship can be sorted out for future exchanges.

For the 23-year-old it will no doubt be an eye-opener.

It will be her first trip outside Australasia. She will spend just on three weeks with leading trainer Marc Sassier in Arquenay, about 200 kilometres south west of Paris.

"It will just be so interesting to see how a big stables like this works," says Johnson.

Johnson reined 65 winners while based in Australia before moving to New Zealand in 2024. She's had 51 winners here since then.

"She's been told to take her driving gear so if an opportunity comes up she is ready to go," says McCaffrey.

McCaffrey says the exchange is ideal for drivers like Johnson.

"We want people who are savvy and open to learning new things."

"I'm not sure what to expect but I'm sure it will be a fun experience," says Johnson.