Charlie Johnston

Charlie Johnston has arguably had one of the best preparations in training horses an aspiring trainer could hope for. Son of Britain’s winningmost trainer Mark Johnston, who achieved his 5000th winner in August 2022.

From an early age, Charlie rode out with the string and soon became determined to follow in his father’s footsteps as a trainer. Like Mark, he studied Veterinary Medicine, he trained under a dual licence with his father in 2022 where the Johnston string put out 1262 runs, resulting in 174 winners and amassing over £2.9 million in prize money.

Based in Middleham, Johnston Racing is one of the most prestigious racing yards in Britain. Established by Mark in 1987, since then Middleham has broken numerous records: In 2009 the stable became the first in the country to send out more than 200 winners on the Flat in a year and has gone on to repeat that feat a further nine times to date. Uniquely, the Johnstons have had more than 100 winners in 30 consecutive seasons, achieving success in British and Irish Classics, and numerous Group One races. 

We are delighted to be continuing the relationship between Highclere and Charlie Johnston who took over the sole licence in January 2023. Set in the stunning rolling hills of North Yorkshire, the visits to Middleham are certainly not one to be missed. .