Johnston (42), a branch supervisor at New Zealand Couriers' Dunedin depot, was handed the responsibilities of getting the 10 fields away from a mixture of mobile starts and standing starts.
Johnston has held a trials and workouts starter's licence for two seasons, and gained his race-day licence this season. He is the back-up to regular starter Wayne Ferguson.
''They wanted a second starter in case Wayne ever got hurt,'' Johnston said.
''I'm doing the next three meetings as Wayne is away in a couple of weeks so they want me to have some experience.''
Johnston has been passionate about racing for ''about 30 years'' and has ownership interests in pacers and one galloper, Enchanter, who is back in work with Westwood Beach trainer Amber Hoffman after a spell.
''I've had horses in syndicates since I was at school,'' he said.
The starter takes charge of the horses once they are on the track, giving the drivers a five-minute warning and making sure the horses are in their correct positions before the start is effected.
''You've got to make sure everyone gets a fair start and make sure they're all safe. You've got the crash crew as well, so you've got to look after them.''
