Danielle Johnson to ride in Makybe Diva Stakes

New Zealand jockey Danielle Johnson will get another chance to win a Group One race on Sofia Rosa when she replaces the suspended Michael Walker in the Makybe Diva Stakes.

Johnson was denied the NZ Oaks when Mark Hills on Fanatic successfully protested against her with the margin a nose.

Hugh Bowman rode the Stephen Marsh-trained mare to win the Australian Oaks in Sydney in April.

The Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday will be Sofia Rosa’s second start in Australia since her Oaks win with the mare 10th in the Memsie Stakes after playing up in the barrier and being checked in the first half of the race.

With the exception of the NZ Oaks, Johnson has a perfect record on Sofia Rosa with three wins from three rides including two at Group level.

As an apprentice, Johnson spent time in Sydney as the winner of the Chris Waller Scholarship which the trainer sponsors in conjunction with the Auckland Racing Club.

She also rode in the jockeys’ Origin series in Brisbane last summer.

Walker was outed for careless riding at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!