Mark Johnston Epsom Derby Profile

Mark's interest in racing was partly a result of his father's influence, as he was an enthusiastic racehorse owner and follower of the sport.

The qualified vet, Mark Johnston began his training career in 1987 and is assisted by his wife, Deirdre, is his assistant trainer and together they act as an efficient training team. The Johnston's had their first winner with Hinari Video at Carlisle later that year. Since taking over at Kingsley House in 1988, the North Yorkshire training centre of Middleham, Mark Johnston has gradually increased the stable in size and strength.

In 2004 the Johnston's filly Attraction, became the first filly to win both the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas a super filly who he describes as the best horse he has ever trained.

Johnston's other classic success to date came in 1994 when Mister Baileys clinched the 2,000 Guineas in almost record time. It was the first taste of classic glory Middleham had witnessed since 1945 when Dante won the Derby at Newmarket. Other group race victories have been scored, with Fruits Of Love winning Royal Ascot's Hardwicke Stakes on two occasions, Double Trigger and Double Eclipse triumphing in long distance cup races and Royal Rebel won the 2001 Ascot Gold Cup. Royal Ascot is becoming a happy hunting ground for the Johnston's having had a staggering five wins at the 2003 Royal Ascot meeting.

On September 4th 2000 (thirteen years and sixty-five days following his first winner), Double Honour won the race that provided Mark Johnston with the honour of becoming the British trainer with the quickest one thousand career victories, beating Henry Cecil by ninety days in the process. Johnston's global racing commitments, involving a wide-range of owners that includes Sheikh Maktoum, ensures Johnston will be at the fore of British racing this season.