After more than 50 years in the breeding game, The Rock's Les Johnson, along with sons Ian, Gary and Steve, lay claim to owning an Australian champion.

Maajida took all before in her debut season, winning seven of her eight starts on the way to being crowned Australian two-year-old filly of the year.

Two of her victories were at group one level, with wins in the Vicbred Super Series and Breeders Crown, and her only loss was a second on debut in the heat of the group two Vicbred Platinum Home Grown Classic.

Steve Johnson has been thrilled with how the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere has developed.

"It's the greatest thing we've ever done," Johnson said. "It's our first group one winner as owners."

Atworthy Farm has produced plenty of quality pacers, including millionarie Golden Reign.

However the filly has something over the Inter Dominion winner.

"Dad bred Golden Reign but it's the first one as owners and we are all in it," Johnson said.

"Dad has been breeding for 50-odd years and it's his first and the three boys are all in it plus Mum was there as well."

Johnson believes her efforts make their own hard work worth it.

"It validates our business, Atworthy Park, and shows we are on the right path," he said.

Maajida isn't the only Riverina horse to take out the nation's top honour this season.

Be Happy Mach, who won 10 of his 11 starts to claim the two-year-old colts and geldings honour, was bred in Alfredtown by Jake Stockton.

The Johnsons prepared both for the sales but brought the filly home after she failed to reach their $20,000 reserve.

She's now won $271,800 in prizemoney.

While she's more than paid back the family there is sure to be more demand for the next foal from Arterial Way, a Betting Line colt, when he heads to the sales next year.

After spelling at The Rock, Maajida has just returned to work with her next big aim the NSW Oaks.

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