Ernie Johnson (jockey) 1979, 49 in 1980, 29 in 1981, 46 in 1982, to 27 in 1983. In the 1980 Epsom Oaks, Johnson rode The Dancer, on whom he had won a race at Newbury as a 2 year old, for Major Dick Hern. Hern's stable jockey, Willie Carson, also had the choice of Cheshire Oaks winner Shoot A Line and Musidora Stakes winner Bireme. He elected to ride Bireme, who won by 2 lengths from Vielle, with The Dancer in 3rd. Johnson made much of the running until two furlongs out and was possibly a shade unlucky - The Dancer was partially
1980 Irish Greyhound Derby 1980 Irish Greyhound Derby The 1980 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during June and July with the final being held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin on 26 July 1980. The winner Suir Miller won £22,500 and was trained by Michael Barrett, owned and bred by Elizabeth Flood. The competition was sponsored by Carrolls. At Shelbourne, 26 July (over 525 yards): 3¼, ½, head (lengths) Indian Joe topped the ante-post list after his 1980 English Greyhound Derby win and Ger McKenna's Knockrour Slave and Nameless Pixie were considered major contenders. English derby finalist Fred Flinstone lined up for the event and