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Mercurial South Island rider Chris Johnson joined a very exclusive club on Sunday when he guided Pit A Pat from last to first in the Leopard Hotel Christmas Mile at Waipukurau to register his 2000th career win.

It was a typical Johnson ride as he bided his time at the rear of the field before unleashing an irresistible finish to reel in the leader, all the while sitting quietly in the saddle while getting the best from his mount.

Interviewed immediately after the race, Johnson was typically modest about his achievement.

“I’d just like to thank all the people who have supported me throughout my career that has allowed me to get to this mark,” he said.

“Any win is a good win and I’ve been fortunate to get on some top horses over the years and that has been a great thrill.”

Numbered amongst those “top horses” are Tycoon Lil who Johnson guided to a 1000 Guineas/New Zealand Oaks Group One double, Avedon who won a Gr. 1 Waikato Draught Sprint and in more recent years, Final Touch who he rode to a treble of Group One wins during the 2012/2013 racing season.

Famous for his laconic attitude in the saddle, the now fifty-year-old Johnson has been a somewhat controversial figure with numerous suspensions throughout his career including several brought about through his laid-back riding style.

His achievement of reaching the 2000 winners milestone is even more notable given the time he has spent on the sidelines including a seven year stint where he gave the riding game away completely.

Johnson joins a select group of just five other riders to have reached the 2000 mark in New Zealand that includes David Walsh, Lance O’Sullivan, Noel Harris, David Peake and Bill Skelton who was the first to achieve the milestone.