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
1979 English Greyhound Derby 1979 English Greyhound Derby The 1979 Spillers Greyhound Derby took place during June with the final being held on 23 June 1979 at White City Stadium. The winner was Sarahs Bunny and the winning owner Roy Hadley received £25,000. The competition was sponsored by the Spillers. At White City (over 500 metres): 1½, 4¼, 2¼, short head, short 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. For the second year running the format of running heats at different tracks remained. Lacca Champion returned to