'I absolutely hate the colours' - Johnston claims clashes spoil Shergar Cup

Mark Johnston has criticised the silks used at the Shergar Cup, claiming the colours make it difficult to identify horses and therefore spoils the day.

Johnston, who had three runners at this year's meeting, including Shergar Cup Classic winner Sapa Inca, said: "I absolutely hate the colours, and I don't think that's a little point. I think it's a major point.

"This is horseracing and you need to be able to tell which horse is which. It's extremely difficult, and for me it totally spoils coming as I don't enjoy watching it.

Mark Johnston: critical of Shergar Cup colour schemeCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Of course I enjoy winning, but the colours spoil it for me, and it's a lesson for the BHA. Just look at that girls' race at Goodwood as well [the Magnolia Cup].

"Colours are for identifying horses and I can't enjoy the race when I'm struggling all of the time to see where my horses are. Owners want their own colours too, and that's a factor."

Johnston's other runners in the race, Asian Angel and Vivid Diamond, finished sixth and seventh respectively.

The Ascot event comprises four teams who wear green, yellow, blue and pink silks throughout the six races. The riders sport different coloured caps and patterns on the silks to differentiate themselves from their teammates.

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