Product Description

From his early teenage years, Mark Johnston knew his destiny. Even as a schoolboy, he had been fired by the belief that he could become a successful racehorse trainer. The rise of the charismatic Johnston, aided by his wife Deidre, has been remarkable. "The Authorised Biography" reveals how Johnston has ascended from inauspicious origins to stand amongst the elite of the Turf, responsible for one of the most successful racing stables in the country. Yet, these pages do far more than chronicle his achievements. As ever, Johnston is forthright and provocative in his views on issues concerning horseracing, and many related subjects. As he wryly concedes: "I just cannot help but argue the toss." He has never been afraid to court controversy or question conventional wisdom. The result is a biography which is always perceptive, always entertaining.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #382163 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

The Independent, December 19, 2006
"exemplary ... an admirable conduit for the charisma of its
subject."

The Sunday Times, January 7, 2007
"well written and rewarding"

About the Author
Nick Townsend is chief sports writer of the Independent on Sunday, having been a sports feature writer on the Daily Mail. He collaborated with Barney Curley on his acclaimed life story, Giving a Little Back, and with the five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave on his highly successful autobiography, A Golden Age.

Customer Reviews

Insight into one of the largest yards in racing
This book is well written and gives great insight into what motivates the trainer of one of the most powerful and successful yards in racing. Mark Johnston simply tells it how he sees it - and although he may not have intended it to be so blunt, some of it may shock some readers.

Not one of my favourite books by a long shot, but this is a personal view. This is not a book about a man and a horse - this is business. Johnston has worked hard to build his empire and you have to admire his endless ambition. Probably a must read for anyone who is a fan of the yard, or wants to know what it takes to be so successful today in flat racing.