Milestone win for Emily Johnson at Alexandra Park

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk  

With a milestone success last night, Emily Johnson has now driven 50 winners on both sides of the Tasman.

The talented northern junior driver had her 50th New Zealand win at Alexandra Park last night when she won with Hillbilly in the TAB Northern Metro Trotters Heat 1.

And it was one of the more comfortable wins of her time here as well.

Johnson worked to the lead and then controlled the tempo before winning by more than three lengths.

Trained by her employer Sean McCaffrey, it was Hillbilly's fifth win from 25 starts.

Before debuting in New Zealand in 2024 Johnson had reined 65 winners in Australia, including a treble at Bunbury 2022.  

Her first win in this country was with Jasinova. She has 14 wins this year, with her best tally so far being the 21 she won in 2025.

With the win last night Hillbilly will now make his way to the $35,000 Metro Final at Alexandra Park on May 29.

The Tony Herlihy trained and driven Overwatch won the second heat later in the night while the Telfer-trained Utah Blaze produced a telling finish for Maurice McKendry to take out the Mid-winter Xmas 26 June Northern Metro Pacers Heat 1.