In the annals of British horse racing, few names command as much respect as Mark Johnston. A man whose career is defined by relentless ambition and unprecedented success, Johnston is not just a horse trainer; he is a record-breaker and a titan of the turf. With a staggering milestone of over 5,000 winners, he has etched his name in history as Britain’s winningest trainer, a testament to a philosophy encapsulated by his famous motto: “Always Trying.”
Born in Glasgow, Johnston’s path into racing was underpinned by a solid academic foundation. He qualified as a veterinarian, a skill that undoubtedly gave him a unique edge in understanding the complex physiology of the thoroughbreds under his care. He began his training career in 1987 from a modest base in Lincolnshire, with his first winner, Hinari Video, marking the start of an extraordinary journey. The following year, he moved to the iconic Kingsley Park in Middleham, North Yorkshire, a facility that would become the heart of his sprawling and highly successful operation.
The “Always Trying” Philosophy
Mark Johnston’s training philosophy is legendary and remarkably straightforward. The motto “Always Trying” became the bedrock of his stable. It signifies a belief in hard work, durability, and maximizing the potential of every horse. Johnston’s horses are renowned for their toughness, fitness, and distinctive front-running style. They are conditioned to be brave and resilient, often grinding their opponents into submission through sheer stamina and grit. This approach was not just about winning; it was about consistently giving each horse the best possible chance to succeed, a principle that resonated with owners and propelled his yard to new heights year after year.
A Parade of Champions
While Johnston is famous for the sheer quantity of his winners, the quality of his champions is equally impressive. His stables have produced numerous Group 1 winners, including victors in the British Classics.
Attraction
Perhaps no horse better personified the Johnston spirit than Attraction. The tough, unconventionally-gaited filly captured the hearts of the racing public with her incredible talent and fighting spirit. In 2004, she achieved Classic glory by winning the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket and went on to secure victories in the Irish 1,000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes, and Sun Chariot Stakes.
Shamardal
Johnston himself has cited Shamardal as arguably the best horse he ever trained. This exceptional colt was unbeaten as a two-year-old in 2004, a season in which he was crowned European Champion Two-Year-Old. His victories included the prestigious Dewhurst Stakes, marking him as a truly elite talent.
The Stayers
Johnston developed a masterful reputation for training stayers, horses that excel over long distances. Double Trigger was an iconic stayer who won the Goodwood Cup three times and the Ascot Gold Cup in 1995. This legacy was continued by horses like Royal Rebel, who won the Ascot Gold Cup twice (2001, 2002), and more recently Subjectivist, who stormed to victory in the same race in 2021.
The Numbers Behind the Legend
Mark Johnston’s career is a story told in record-breaking numbers. In August 2018, he surpassed the long-standing record held by Richard Hannon Sr. to become the most successful British trainer of all time with his 4,194th winner. But he didn’t stop there. He continued to set the bar higher, becoming the first British trainer to send out 200 winners in a calendar year, a feat he accomplished multiple times.
In August 2022, he achieved a monumental milestone that was once unthinkable: training his 5,000th winner. This incredible number speaks to a career built on consistency, expertise, and an unwavering drive to succeed. While the prize money is substantial, understanding what does a horse trainer get paid often involves a complex mix of day rates, prize money percentages, and other fees, but Johnston’s sheer volume of success placed him consistently among the top earners.
Passing the Baton: The Future of Johnston Racing
At the end of the 2022 season, Mark Johnston announced that he was handing over the training license to his son, Charlie, who had been his assistant for many years. This marked a new era for the stable, now known as Johnston Racing. While Mark has stepped back from the day-to-day licensing responsibilities, his philosophy and legacy are deeply embedded in the operation. The transition ensures that the formidable Kingsley Park stable will continue to be a dominant force in British racing for years to come, with Charlie now carrying the torch of the “Always Trying” motto.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many winners did Mark Johnston train?
Mark Johnston is the first and only British trainer to have trained over 5,000 winners. He broke the previous record of 4,193 in 2018 and reached the 5,000 milestone in August 2022.
Who is the winningest horse trainer in British history?
Mark Johnston holds the record for the most winners trained in British horse racing history, making him numerically the most successful trainer the country has ever produced.
Where is Mark Johnston’s stable located?
Mark Johnston’s training operation is based at Kingsley Park in Middleham, North Yorkshire. This state-of-the-art facility has been the base for his record-breaking career since 1988.
Did Mark Johnston win the Epsom Derby?
Despite winning multiple other Classics, including the 2,000 Guineas with Mister Baileys and the 1,000 Guineas with Attraction, the Epsom Derby is the one major British Classic that eluded Mark Johnston during his career.
Who runs Johnston Racing now?
Since the start of the 2023 season, the training license for Johnston Racing has been held by Mark’s son, Charlie Johnston. He continues the family legacy from the Kingsley Park stables in Middleham.
A Legacy Carved in Victory
Mark Johnston’s impact on horse racing is immeasurable. He revolutionized the sport with his dedication to fitness and his sheer volume of runners and winners. His career was a masterclass in ambition, consistency, and an unwavering belief in a core philosophy. The name Mark Johnston Horse Trainer will forever be synonymous with success, a legacy defined not just by a number, but by a relentless spirit that truly was “Always Trying.”
