Jim Johnson relives glory of Melbourne Cup wins

21-10-16 Morning tea with the Melbourne Cup. Pics with Melbourne Cup jockey Jim Johnson (left) and Joe McGrath, Racing Engagements and Cup Tour Manager at Victoria Racing Club (right). Photo by Damjan Janevski.

Three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jim Johnson relived the glory of riding home Rain Lover in back-to-back cup wins during a talk in Kingsville last week.

Johnson, who was joined at Uniting AgeWell Kingsville by 2002 Fashions on the Field winner Arabella Forge, as well as the Melbourne Cup itself, discussed fond memories of his winning rides in 1963 on Gatum Gatum then the 1968 and 1969 wins.

Uniting AgeWell Kingsville Community manager Christine Harwood said residents had been creative in the lead-up to next Tuesday’s 2016 Melbourne Cup, decorating wooden horses and making paper flowers for a rose arbor.

“Lifestyle activities such as arts and crafts and celebrating Spring Carnival are not only fun activities for clients, it also stimulates and triggers positive memories for many,” she said.

“Many of our residents, clients and their families have lived most of their lives in the area, with many having memories and stories of cheering on the Melbourne Cup over the decades.”