Clint Johnston-Porter's Tactical Masterclass Secures Bunbury Double
In a stunning display of jockeying prowess, Clint Johnston-Porter piloted both feature winners on Saturday's standalone Bunbury programme, claiming the Listed $150,000 Swan Draught Bunbury Cup (2000m) aboard Arcadia Park and the Listed $150,000 TABtouch Bunbury Stakes (1400m) with Bonjoy.
Arcadia Park's Gritty Bunbury Cup Victory
Johnston-Porter's ride on Arcadia Park in the Bunbury Cup was nothing short of sensational. Overcoming a high draw, the jockey sent the Michael Grantham-trained four-year-old forward early, settling in sixth position just off the inside rail. With the tempo remaining gentle approaching the 800m mark, Johnston-Porter made a bold move, easing Arcadia Park to the outside to avoid being caught wide.
Capitalizing on the steady pace, Johnston-Porter galvanized the gelding into action, hitting the front with an astonishing 650m still to run. This early move created anxious moments for owner Bob Peters, who later admitted, "CJP wouldn't want to have heard what I had to say when he hit the front so soon. I said, 'he hasn't even got to the corner yet.'"
Despite facing a long run to the line and pressure from multiple challengers including Fancy Red ($3.80 favorite), Snazzler ($26), and Silver Eye ($11), Arcadia Park demonstrated remarkable stamina under Johnston-Porter's inspired ride. The Ocean Park galloper lifted to the call in the final strides, saluting by a short neck in a thrilling finish.
Peters revealed he had confidence in the horse's fitness before the race, telling trainer Michael Grantham, "he's fit, he's ready," though Grantham had expressed doubts. The owner's assessment proved correct as Arcadia Park's conditioning made the crucial difference.
Bonjoy's Last-Gasp Bunbury Stakes Triumph
Only half an hour before his Bunbury Cup victory, Johnston-Porter had already showcased his skill with Bonjoy in the Bunbury Stakes. After an awkward beginning left the six-year-old mare last into stride, Johnston-Porter faced a daunting task at the 250m mark with all starters ahead of them.
Displaying remarkable patience and precision, Johnston-Porter navigated through narrow gaps in the closing stages, producing an explosive late burst that saw Bonjoy conquer Fast Flicker ($11) in the final bound. Trainer Jason Miller admitted, "At the top of the straight, I thought, 'we're in a world of pain.' But CJ just found a way, and she was explosive late."
Strategic Insights and Future Prospects
Johnston-Porter revealed that Arcadia Park's previous outing in the Detonator Stakes (1800m) two weeks earlier had prepared the horse perfectly for Saturday's challenge. "I just know he's a true, out-and-out stayer and he's got a bit of grit about him; I thought that was my only way of beating them," the jockey explained. "Today, knowing Michael does a terrific job with them, it allowed me to do something clever like that on him."
Looking ahead, Peters expressed concern about potential weight penalties for future races like the Pinjarra Cup, noting, "Unfortunately, he'll probably get a little bit of weight now and he's up very high already, so that will make it hard."
The double victory capped an outstanding afternoon for Johnston-Porter, who had earlier succeeded with the Grantham-trained and Peters-owned Great Emotion ($5) in race five, bringing his tally to three wins for the day. These performances underscore Johnston-Porter's status as one of Western Australia's premier jockeys, capable of delivering under pressure in feature events through strategic brilliance and impeccable timing.
