Trainer archives:

Mark Johnston is a Middleham based combined licence holding racehorse trainer.

A Scotsman by birth, Johnston attended Glasgow University and qualified as a vet.

Based in Middleham, North Yorkshire

After first taking out a licence in Louth, Lins, in 1987, Johnston purchased Kingsley House stables in Middleham the year after and has remained in the North Yorkshire town ever since, though he has expanded the yard several times, buying additional stabling.

Best Known Stable Stars

Perhaps the best horse he trained was the wonderful filly Attraction with whom he lifted the 1,000 Guineas in 2004, though he also lifted the 2,000 Guineas with Mister Baileys.

Another old favourite Johnston trained was Double Baileys who was a doughty stayer – in true Johnston fashion.

Stable Jockeys

Johnston’s horses often run prominently, from the front, though he regularly claims that he let’s his jockey decide how to pace in the race. Fiercly loyal to his riders, current jockeys are Joe Fanning and Franny Norton, though many good jocks have been at the yard over the years.

Two Year old Masters

Another feature of his yard is the ability to produce two year olds, perhaps best demonstrated with Sharmardal, the 2004 European Champion Two-Year-Old and again more recently with the rock hard The Last Lion who retired at two after sweeping all before him.

Mark Johnston Web Links

Johnston’s Horses in Training