POPULAR reinsman Corey Johnson celebrated his birthday in style during the weekend.
Instead of partying as he turned 22 on Saturday, Johnson undertook his usual routine of heading to the race - this time back at Globe Derby, which re-opened after a major track upgrade.
To Johnson's delight, his milestone evening was boosted when he partnered Skybreeze to glory in the opening event.
"It was a nice way to top off my birthday," Johnson said. "It's always great to get a winner any day, but I guess on your birthday is an extra present.
"We were pretty confident in his chances and he performed to expectations, which was terrific."
Beginning quickly to lead from barrier three, Skybreeze was then eased to take a trail behind the favourite, Regal Attire.
Finishing strongly along the sprint lane, the son of Skyvalley dashed to a two-and-a-half metre win from Regal Attire, with My Used To Be a head away third.
Trained by Johnson's father, Lane, the lightly-raced seven-year-old rated 2:00.1 over 1800 metres to take his record to eight wins and three placings from 15 starts.
"He got the perfect run and made the most of it," Johnson said. "It's not often everything goes your way like that and you need to take them when they do."
With the South Australia Trotters' Cup the gelding's main target, the Johnsons plan to enter Skybreeze in Saturday night's heat at the same venue.
"The Cup is on in a fortnight and that's where we are heading with him," Johnson said. "He'll go around in the heat and then hopefully all goes to plan and on to the Final."
