Jockey Joe Johnson

Born: August 29, 1967, Owensboro, KentuckyResides: Louisville, KentuckyFamily: Carla, wife; Hailey Renea, daughter; Coby, son. 

     Joe Johnson seems to turn in one excellent riding job after another. He is recalled as the regular jockey of Judge T C, a Gary “Red Dog” Hartlage trainee, who has earned approximately $825,000 while winning such stakes as Oaklawn's Rebel and Crabapple.“Judge T C is a favorite of all my horses over the years,” noted Johnson.

      On opening day of the 2009 meeting Joe rode theHartlage-trained French Kiss to an impressive score in a $36,000 allowance victory at 1 1/16 miles.$50,000.The same meeting, he rode French Kiss to triumph in the $50,000 Pippin Stakes.      Joe fondly remembers Oaklawn’s 2008 meeting, when onOpening weekend, he won with four of his 12 mounts that first four days, including Spotsgone in a $42,500 feature. Later, he rode Spotsgone to victory in the $100,000 Essex and Ferragamo in the $50,000 Mountain Valley.                In an era in which stables change jockeys on the slightest whim, Joe has found security with Red dog.“We are still together,” said Johnson."When I came on the race track, it was as hot walker for Red Dog. I progressed to groom, then exercise boy and finally to stable jockey." Joe reflected.