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 Slave and Dodford Bill both went out after encountering trouble. In the final Indian Joe broke well sitting just behind Corduroy but Fred Flinstone soon took the lead with Indian Joe pursuing. Coming out of the second bend Indian Joe took a decisive lead and held off the fast finishing Hurry on Bran to take the trophy back to Ireland. 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