Albert M. Johnson

Biography

Rider of Kentucky Derby winners Morvich in 1922 and Bubbling Over in 1926, Albert Johnson also won consecutive editions of the Belmont Stakes with sons of Hall of Famer Man o’ War, American Flag in 1925 and Hall of Famer Crusader in 1926, respectively.

Of all the great horses he rode, Johnson rated Hall of Famer Exterminator the best. He was aboard Exterminator in 1921, when he won several stakes, and rode him the following year during his best season as a 7-year-old, winning the Brooklyn Handicap under 135 pounds, the Kentucky Handicap under 138, and the Toronto Autumn Cup under 132.

Born in Milan, Washington, in 1900, Johnson was a stablehand during his youth before becoming North America’s leading rider in earnings in 1922, when he won the Belmont Futurity on Sally’s Alley, both divisions of the Pimlico Futurity on that horse and Blossom Time, and the Pimlico Oaks on Dinahmeur.

Johnson won the inaugural Pimlico Futurity with Morvich in 1921 and the Champagne on Bubbling Over in 1925. Also in 1925, he won the Alabama Stakes and a second Pimlico Oaks with Maid at Arms. Johnson’s other major wins included the Hopeful (1921), Saratoga Cup (1922), Coaching Club American Oaks (1923), Dwyer Stakes (1925), Schuylerville Stakes (1925), Withers Stakes (1925), and American Derby (1925), among others.

Overall, Johnson won 503 races before going on to become a trainer, primarily for childhood friend Bing Crosby. 

Achievements

North America's leading rider in earnings — 1922

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1922 Kentucky Derby — Morvich
Won the 1926 Kentucky Derby — Bubbling Over
Won the 1925 Belmont Stakes — American Flag
Won the 1926 Belmont Stakes — Crusader