JOHNSTONE, WILLIAM RAPHAEL (1905-1964), jockey, was born on 13 April 1905 at New Lambton, New South Wales, son of native-born parents Robert James Johnstone, coalminer, and his wife Elizabeth, née Harney. After his parents separated, Rae lived with his mother in Sydney and attended Marist Brothers' High School, Darlinghurst. Apprenticed at 14 to the Newcastle trainer Jack Phoenix, the diminutive Johnstone rode his first winner, Grey Arrow, at Rosehill in June 1920. He rode over one hundred winners in the 1920-21 season, but began betting, fell foul of the stewards and endured several suspensions. In 1925 Johnstone was banned from riding in Sydney for several months because he had gained access to his earnings (protected while an apprentice) and married Ruby Isabel Hornery-Ford on 20 June at the district registrar's office, Randwick. At Armidale in November 1927 he conspired to lose a race and was banned for two years ...

Read more at the source website

Source:

Australian Dictionary of Biography