Mark Johnston keen to share training licence with his son Charlie

Mark Johnston, the winningmost trainer in the history of British racing, has opened the door to taking out a joint-licence with his son and assistant Charlie in recognition of his increased role within the organisation.

The resumption of racing in Britain this week has also ushered in a new era for trainers, with yards able to apply for more than one name to appear on the licence, mirroring what has been in place in Australia.

Derby-winning trainer Paul Cole now shares his licence with his son Oliver, while Newmarket trainer Simon Crisford is joint-licence holder with his son Ed, a scenario which could be in place for Johnston and his son in the future.

Charlie Johnston has been an increasingly familiar figure on course and in the media over the last couple of seasons, and has also been taking on more of a role within the planning and preparation of the stable’s horses in Middleham.

Mark Johnston says his son needs to pass more training modules before he is able to take out a co-licence, but has been pleased with the continued success of the yard as Charlie has taken a bigger role.

Charlie Johnston representing the stable at Yarmouth earlier in the week

Speaking about the possibility of a joint-licence on Luck on Sunday, Johnston said: “Yes, we will be looking at doing that. Charlie hasn’t passed his modules yet – he has got a veterinary degree and he used to have a jockey’s licence, but that doesn’t count.

“He’s got a few hurdles to jump before he’s even allowed to apply for a licence, so it won’t be happening imminently. The ball’s very much in his court.

“He has been for a couple of years doing an increasing amount of the work. He plans the gallops and everybody’s seen he’s been well to the fore doing a lot of it and taking a lot of the pressure off me, and luckily as we’ve seen over the last couple of seasons the results certainly haven’t been affected – and if they have it’s been positively.”

Mark Johnston has smashed through three significant numerical records over the last two seasons, first becoming Britian’s winningmost trainer when saddling his 4,194th winner in August 2018, while last year he set a new benchmark for winners in a calendar year with 249 victories, 50 of those coming in a record-breaking July.

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