William Johnson - William Johnson Bloodstock
TDN AusNZ: Where are you from and what is your earliest racing memory?
WJ: I grew up in Euroa, North East Victoria. I remember being in the living room of my grandparents house and whenever a Sydney or Melbourne race was on, it was important that my sister and I kept quiet!
TDN AusNZ: Which is your favourite racehorse of all time? Why?
WJ: Northerly (Serheed {USA}) is hard to go past. His tussles with Sunline (NZ) (Desert Sun) and durability over a number of racing seasons was admirable. Having poster horses for the sport is so important to capture the attention and imagination of younger generations. Northerly did that for me.
Will Johnson | Image courtesy of Tattersalls
TDN AusNZ: Do you have a favourite day on a racecourse? Why?
WJ: Without a doubt it would be the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe day at Longchamp. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend it a couple of times and the combination of watching one of the world's greatest races with the Eiffel Tower in the distance is quite enthralling.
TDN AusNZ: Could you tell us how you got into this industry, about your job now and what you love most about it?
WJ: Having grown up on a stud farm and enjoying racing throughout school and university, it was a seamless transition into the industry. I think it is more of a lifestyle than occupation. After having gained experience overseas with Roger Varian and Hubie de Burgh, I established William Johnson Bloodstock in late 2019. What I love most is that no two days are the same and that one is able to build working relationships both in Australia and overseas.
Hubie de Burgh and Will Johnson at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale
TDN AusNZ: Who do you believe to be a value sire for the upcoming breeding season? Why?
WJ: So You Think (NZ) has proven himself more than capable of siring Group 1 winners. His stakes winners/runners strike rate is robust and represents terrific value at $38,500 inc GST.
TDN AusNZ: Is there a stallion that you consider to be under the radar?, and why?
WJ: I think Shamus Award has been a quiet achiever. Again, his stakes winners/runners is an illustration that he can produce a horse that can gallop at an affordable fee for breeders.
Will thinks Rosemont Stud's Shamus Award is a quiet achiever
TDN AusNZ: Which stallion, ever, do you think was the best type?
WJ: I would love to have seen the likes of Sadler's Wells (USA), Mr Prospector (USA) and Danehill (USA) in the flesh but at present I think as a type, I Am Invincible is hard to beat.
TDN AusNZ: Which first-season sire (other than your own) do you believe is most exciting?
WJ: Blue Point (Ire). Exceptionally brilliant from the age of 2-years-old to 5-years-old, his Choisir-esque double at Royal Ascot was outstanding. Both Shamardal (USA) and Lope De Vega (Ire) from limited opportunities succeeded in Australia and the outcross works well with Danehill.
Blue Point (Ire) | Standing at Darley Australia
TDN AusNZ: What was your favourite weanling, yearling or mare purchase this year?
WJ: It has been great working alongside Darby Racing and de Burgh Equine at the yearling sales. Scott Darby and his team do a tremendous job and amongst the 20 or so purchases thus far, there were plenty of favourites at all different price points.
TDN AusNZ: Who do you think is a rising star within the industry? (Person not horse).
WJ: The industry is in great shape with plenty of young talented people getting involved and I feel Tanita Vella at Godolphin is a great endorsement. She loves the sport and is always thinking of ways the industry can improve and progress. Definitely one to watch.
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry?
WJ: I think we must be mindful that the industry's prizemoney is funded by turnover which prior to COVID-19 restrictions had already begun to dip. This will be exaggerated by the closure of retail TABs as bricks and mortar participants will have shifted to the platforms of corporate bookmakers. The TAB has lagged behind the marketing of the corporates for over a decade and there must be a positive shift back towards the gambling dollar going through the TAB. Without that, turnover and prizemoney will stagnate or begin to dwindle.
Will with David Eustace
TDN AusNZ: If you weren’t in this industry what would you do?
WJ: It is hard to imagine a day without reading the TDN but if it were the case, I have a soft spot for art. I think there are many similarities between the two industries and everyone is entitled to express their opinion through different mediums. Whether it was creating or trading art, I am sure plenty of travel would be involved.
TDN AusNZ: How did you keep busy in isolation?
WJ: I have found the time in isolation to be quite enjoyable with a lot more running and quite a few shanks on the golf course. Tiger Woods makes it look so easy!
