The inspirational journey to becoming Britain's most prolific trainer

Mark Johnston: Phenomenon by Nick Townsend
£20, published by Welbeck

Mark Johnston presumably had a certain date in mind when he worked on this revised and updated version of his authorised biography with Nick Townsend, which was published towards the end of last year, 15 years after the original.

Much has happened in the intervening period and the book takes us right up to what proved to be Johnston's final year with a sole licence, detailing plans for the new era that began this weekend as he officially sets out as joint-trainer alongside son Charlie.

Phenomenon reflects Johnston's rise from working-class roots to becoming Britain's most prolific trainer of all time, with Poet's Society, ridden by another punters' favourite, Frankie Dettori, taking him to a total of 4,194 in 2018. And there's been no let-up since then, with Johnston achieving his tenth double-century last year, which was also his 28th consecutive year with at least 100 winners.

It's an inspirational tale, the mix of self-confidence, talent, hard work, shrewdly cheap purchases and a great team showing that anything is possible if you really want it. Mark and his wife Deirdre made this happen from what might be seen as the slightly odd entry route of deciding he would qualify as a vet to start out in the game.

Another arguably odd aspect of Johnston is the way he takes such heed of any perceived criticism, including on social media, although don't be mistaken into thinking that means a victory for the trolls. Instead, it's clear that this has the unintended effect of firing him up and making him even more determined.

Mark Johnston and his son Charlie: both names are on the licence in 2022Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

This is a game of opinions – if you pay the entrance fee, whether as an owner or punter, it gives you the right to say what you think – but take on Johnston at your peril. "I won't just play the game, it's why I can't keep my mouth shut," he says. He even has his own periodical, the excellent Kingsley Klarion. That helps him dish it back, especially as his relationship with the Racing Post proved bumpy.

Yet his career has exactly mirrored that of this paper, starting at the same time in 1986 when he made an offer on his original stables, down the coast from Grimsby. His eventual tiny number of runners from there helpfully proved 'bombproof' – thanks to a local RAF target range.

Then it was about "eating and existing, making the repayments", but because he "understood horses, their anatomy, their physiology" and had a professionalism akin to Sir Alex Ferguson he managed to grow to 230 horses in his three Middleham yards: Kingsley House, Warwick House and Kingsley Park.

In this normally rarefied 'closed shop' world of horseracing, Johnston remains the refreshing outsider. He challenges, takes a strong view and rarely admits being wrong, although he has been known to quietly change his mind. His horses are fitness-hardened battlers, often front-running, seeing out their races right to the finishing line. There are many enjoyable stories in this book of his favourite ones, yet he is also honest about when things go wrong.

Loyal staff, owners, family, punters and indeed Johnston himself have all enjoyed the ride. And now, with Charlie at his side, the Johnston dynasty looks set to keep rolling on towards more landmark achievements.

Read more . . .

'It's not something too significant' – Mark Johnston on last runner in his name

Charlie Johnston set to join Britain's most successful trainer Mark on licence

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday