Relief was the over-riding emotion for apprentice jockey Janette Johnson after a milestone win aboard Voodoo Blue Magic at Doomben on Saturday.

After being held up for a run at the 250-metre mark, Voodoo Blue Magic edged out Prussian Heart to win the Canadian Club Handicap (1200m) by a half-head.

Backed from $11 into $8.50, Voodoo Blue Magic gave Gold Coast-based Johnson her first Saturday winner in Brisbane.

"It's a great relief and I wasn't too sure I was going to win until the run came at the right time," Johnson said.

"I'm still taking it all in at the moment. It's quite surreal."

Trainer Les Ross wasn't complaining after being pressured by the owners of Voodoo Blue Magic to start the gelding at Doomben.

"I would've preferred to start him on Wednesday in a 1000-metre race but the owners put a bit of pressure on me to run here," Ross said.

"They pay all the money and as long as they keep winning I'll be happy."

Ross said Voodoo Blue Magic was one of the most courageous horses in his stable despite being one of the smallest.

"What he lacks in height he makes up for in heart," he said.