LOCAL LIFE
After nearly 20 years, Rick heads back to the bush
by Greg Martin
There’ s an old saying that certainly fits Rick Johnston:“ You can take the boy out of the bush, but you can’ t take the bush out of the boy.”
Now, after nearly 20 years as a muchadmired member of Hawkesbury Race Club’ s racecourse staff, Rick is heading back to the wide, open spaces he loves.
Born in Forbes, Rick, 64, was a true bushie before moving to Sydney with his family at the age of 12. Over the decades, he has bounced between the city and the country, taking with him his skills as a jockey, trainer, and racecourse jack-of-alltrades.
But don’ t think for a moment that Rick is retiring quietly. He will soon join his son, Baden“ BJ” Johnston, who runs a successful earth-moving business in Grenfell.
“ BJ has been out there for several years now, and his business has grown enough for him to call on me regularly,” Rick said.
“ So, during weekends or holidays, I head to Grenfell and jump on whatever machine he needs me to operate – an excavator, bobcat, or tipper.
“ But often, the bugger just hands me a shovel instead!” he laughed.
Father to seven children from two relationships and proud“ Pop” to 17 grandchildren, Rick will be making the move to Grenfell solo.
“ I’ ve also picked up a part-time job as caretaker at the Grenfell Kart Club, about six kilometres out of town,” he said.
“ The job comes with a large on-site caravan where I’ ll be living – all I need is a bed, a small kitchen, and the basic amenities provided at the track.”
Leaving Hawkesbury wasn’ t an easy decision.
“ I love this job and the people here – everyone in administration, catering, and especially my mates on the grounds and maintenance team,” Rick said.
The Johnston family originally relocated to Sydney in 1972, following Rick’ s older brother,“ Miracle” Mal, who was forging a name as Sydney’ s leading apprentice jockey. Malcolm, as many know, went on to become one of the world’ s greats, winning more than 2,000 races across 11 countries and earning a place in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.
Rick briefly linked up with Mal’ s mentor, the legendary Theo Green, but soon headed back to the bush to gain more riding opportunities.
“ I was a little fat thing for a jockey!” Rick laughed.
He went on to win plenty of races, an apprentices’ championship, and a couple of city races – including one memorable Country Cup where he beat Malcolm into second place.
In 1984, Rick moved to Cairns, spending 20 years there as a successful jockey and trainer, racking up over 200 winners.
Returning to Sydney in 2004, he joined his brother at Hawkesbury Racecourse, eventually securing a position as a labourer at the club. His work ethic and experience saw him promoted to Racecourse Manager before he stepped
The end of the line! Hawkesbury Race Club backed a winner 20 years ago when they enlisted the multitude of skills brought top the club by Rick Johnston. He departs the club and is returning to life in the bush out at Grenfell.
back two years ago to take on the role of caretaker and groundsman.
In a post on the Racing NSW website, Hawkesbury Race Club’ s Chief Executive, James Heddo, praised Rick’ s contribution:“ Rick joined the club in December 2004. His knowledge of the racecourse, grounds and operations is unparalleled. He is extremely well respected throughout the racing industry and leaves the club with our appreciation and best wishes for the future.” Rick said he was touched by the kind words.
“ Having lived and worked here for over 20 years, the club has been a huge part of my life.
I’ ve truly enjoyed being part of such an amazing team, and I’ m incredibly grateful for the experiences, the opportunities, and the lifelong friendships I’ ve made along the way.”
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 180 // MAY 2025 5