MARK JOHNSTON BREAKS RECORD WITH POET’S SOCIETY

When Poet’s Society, a son of Poet’s Voice won a Class 2 Handicap at York, trainer Mark Johnston became the winning most trainer in British racing history having saddled his 4194th winner on August 23, 2018. He is the first Flat trainer to send out more than 200 winners in a season (2009) a feat which he repeated in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017. Poet’s Society was ridden by Frankie Dettori who was pushed to get to the lead setting a strong pace. He made his dash two furlongs for home and when challenged and headed for a moment by Sharja Bridge, he forged ahead to win by a neck.
Born in Glasgow in 1959, he became interested in racing through his father’s ownership of horses. At 14 he knew he was destined to become a trainer but decided to study first to become a vet and after qualifying, worked for a period of three years. He married his childhood sweetheart, Deirdre (now assistant trainer) in 1985 and the following year bought his first training yard in Lincolnshire.

Johnston began training in 1987 and sent out his first winner Hinari Video that summer. He moved to Middleham when he purchased Kingsley House in 1988. A multiple Gr.1- and Classic-winning trainer, Johnston was responsible for the likes of Mister Baileys (Robellino), winner of the Gr.1 2000 Guineas, Attraction (Efisio), winner of the Gr.1 1000 Guineas, Gr.1 Irish 1000 Guineas, Gr.1 Coronation Stakes and Gr.1 Matron Stakes, as well as the likes of the Gr.1 Dewhurst Stakes winner Shamardal (Giant’s Causeway), dual Gr.1 Ascot Gold Cup winner Royal Rebel (Robellino) and Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Lumiere (Shamardal) among many others.
To achieve this landmark is a spectacular achievement. His Middleham operation has grown and established itself sending out hundreds of winners a year with success at all levels, both nationally and internationally. Apart from success with his training empire Johnston is involved and has given time to the racing’s major organizations including the BHA Board and the Racing Foundation.