SIXTY SECONDS WITH WINNO - JOHNNY WRIGHT
By Darren Winningham | Tuesday, July 24, 2018
SIXTY SECONDS WITH WINNO.
‘GROUP 1’ JOHNNY WRIGHT - Strapper – based at Port Macquarie.
Johnny Wright, the self-proclaimed Group 1 strapper, has demanded a face to face with WINNO – so what better time to listen to his story.
Mr Wright, this is your “60 Seconds with WINNO."
Johnny – and he prefers to be addressed as “Johnny” … there are not many people that have ever demanded this of me to be honest. I always think I use “Johnny” when I am telling a little Johnny joke!
Johnny is a great friend of trainer Jason Coyle so I thought that would be a good place to kick things off!
How did you meet Jason Coyle?
I met him in 1998 when he was working at Gai Waterhouses’ stables at Randwick. I have huge respect for him as a person, a friend and a trainer … for where he has come from to where he has got today. The good thing about him is that he is still the easy-going bloke that I met many years ago. He is also a Group 1 winning trainer as well now.
Who else do you rate as a trainer?
I suppose I am a little bit biased here – I have shares in a horse with Mick Price. I always wanted to have a horse with him as I admire the way he speaks and he is very direct.
Favourite Jockey?
WINNO, I really do not have a favourite jockey!
Okay – since you are avoiding answering the question – if you had to put a jockey on your horse with Mick Price who would it be?
Damien Oliver – when he is on song he is the best in the country.
Do you have a nickname?
Lefty.
Why?
Because my surname is “Wright” you idiot!
Careful. What kind of car do you drive?
Toyota Camry and it is GOLD - like me!
How long have you been with racing?
I have been doing it since I was at school, probably around 35 years. I started with Stuart Murrell - he was a very astute horseman based at Port Macquarie.
Your fondest memory of being a strapper?
My first Group 1 winner with the Gai Waterhouse trained Pornichet winning the Doomben Cup in 2015 with Blake Shinn aboard. I was so proud to do it for Gai!
Best thing you like about your work?
I am just passionate about the animal.
Now WINNO has heard that you used to be a triathlete – spill the beans “Lefty”!
Your information is correct. I have done three Ironman Triathlons.
You best result?
Nothing really to note – there have been no podium finishes. But each time I went around and competed I did a PB (personal best).
So, what is involved in a triathlon?
Swim – bike and a run. You swim 3.8 kilometres. You ride 180 kilometres. Then you run 42 kilometres.
I suppose after all that work you may have some serious chaffing down there?
No comment WINNO.
Okay – avoiding the question again mate. So, what is your weakest leg?
Probably the run to be honest. I spend too much petrol on the bike.
What do you do when you cannot sleep?
Go for a walk.
Jockeys start early in the morning what time do you get up to start work?
Whenever I get out of bed.
How do you prefer to be woken up in the morning?
Why do you continue to ask this question WINNO? (He starts laughing). Okay – Okay – at my own pace is my answer!
What was the turning point of your career?
When I started working for Gai Waterhouse in 1998. I moved to Sydney and got to link up with a wonderful stable.
How many years did you work for Gai?
A few years.
What are you always late for?
I am never late for anything!
If you were not a horse strapper or involved with racing what would you be doing?
I would be a professional golfer!
Are you any good at golf?
I go okay actually. I hit them straight and hard. Whilst we are about golf I have read in these “60 seconds interviews” that Beau Appo rates himself as a golfer.
Yes, that is true – he welcomes all comers!
Well, I have got him covered and would just wipe him off the course! I am a “Group 1” performer so you can never right me off WINNO!
What is your favourite music?
Anything but country – absolutely hate it!
What is your favourite musician?
Don’t have one.
What is the most embarrassing song on your phone?
Nothing really?
What about bad porn or other things you keep on your phone?
No comment!
What is your favourite gadget?
My phone.
What would you choose as your last meal?
Chicken Parmigiana with chips and salad.
Name one person who you want to have dinner with?
Kylie Minogue.
Why though?
She is gorgeous. I would pay for dinner as well as I am a gentleman.
Now I hear you are single?
Yes, that is true WINNO – where are you going with this?
Well – I was going to ask how you go in the kitchen. Do you cook your own meals?
I only cook and eat steak. That is all I can cook. Must be cooked medium as well.
Do you have anything else like vegetables etc with it?
No, I just cook the steak and have it on bread. I steak sanga – the BEST!
Name one thing you could not live without?
Water. (Okay you’re a smart arse – but great answer)
What is your greatest fear?
Snakes – I have nightmares!
If you have nightmares in bed should I assume something?
You can pause right about now!
Okay – what about the snake in your pants?
Deadly!
(At this point WINNO lost it and started laughing – somehow, we get back to the questions!)
But, hold on there are snakes always around the horse stables – right?
Not near ours thank the Lord.
One of your favourite places to be?
Thailand.
Why Thailand?
The sun and the girls!
NRL/AFL favourite team?
NRL – South Sydney. AFL – rubbish game mate.
State of Origin time – NSW or QLD?
NSW! Born and bred I NSW and I will never change that!
So, where exactly were you born?
Port Macquarie.
Who do you talk on the phone the most to?
My mum.
What are you grateful for everyday?
Being alive.
What item symbolises Australia for you?
Uluru - Ayers Rock.
What do you like to put on a sandwich?
I love my steak sandwiches. No onion – no sauce – white bread and butter!
Do you ever put anything odd on a sandwich?
No – I am very plain!
What toppings do you like on your pizza?
I just love pizzas.
How do you define success?
Happiness – that is not to do with money or relationships either. It is just about being of sound mind.
Who is you man crush?
Matthew McConaughey.
Who is your female crush?
Carrie Fisher – when she was Princess Leia in Star Wars!
Tell us something that may surprise us about you?
I have no hair – I shaved that off ages ago.
I heard that you like fragrances – what is your favourite one?
I don’t know who told you that – that is a big NEGATIVE!
Okay, if you had to buy a fragrance – what would you buy?
I have seriously no idea. I would have to go in and ask someone.
What about if you could bottle your own farts?
No way. The girls would run a mile!
If you are down to your last $10 what would you spend it on?
Probably go and have a couple of beers.
Thanks for spending 60 seconds with WINNO!
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