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 English Greyhound Derby 1980 English Greyhound Derby The 1980 Spillers Greyhound Derby took place during June with the final being held on 28 June 1980 at White City Stadium. The winner was Indian Joe and the winning owner Alfie McLean (a bookmaker) received £35,000. The competition was sponsored by the Spillers. At White City (over 500 metres): ¾, 1, ¾, 1½, head (lengths)<br> The distances between the greyhounds are in finishing order and shown in lengths. One length is equal to 0.08 of one second. The 50th anniversary of the competition was marked by the first prize being increased to £35,000 and the