David Johnston

David Johnston

Article by Alan Trout

David John Johnston rode 13 winners in a career that lasted for about seven years. 

Associated with the stable of former successful jump jockey Tommy Barnes, David had his first ride at Carlisle on February 15, 1977 when Common City finished seventh in a field of 21 for the Heads Nook Novices’ Hurdle. 

He rode his first winner at Sedgefield on Boxing Day 1978 when Who’s Free got the best of a close finish with Yodelay, ridden by Tony Charlton, to land the Mordon Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1, Part 1) by a short head. Trained by Tommy Barnes, the three-year-old had finished third with David aboard when making his debut over jumps at Kelso in November. 

He rode the occasional winner over the next few seasons, his final one coming at Carlisle on October 21, 1983, when Fragrant Friday, trained by Tommy Cuthbert, scored by two lengths in the Harraby Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2). It was the seven-year-old’s first start for nearly two years and she never ran again. David did not renew his licence for the following season. 

David Johnston’s wins were, in chronological order:

1. Who’s Free, Sedgefield, December 26, 1978

2. Lordel, Ayr, March 12, 1979

3. Lordel, Wetherby, April 17, 1979

4. Bishop’s Pawn, Market Rasen, January 23, 1980

5. Floran, Cartmel, May 26, 1980

6. Eversley Lad, Perth, October 9, 1980

7. Vimy’s Pet, Carlisle, September 15, 1981

8. Vimy’s Pet, Sedgefield, September 29, 1981

9. Lord Melbourne, Perth, October 15, 1981

10. Edward Corner, Hexham, October 7, 1982

11. Hot Pretence, Carlisle, January 1, 1983

12. Run in Tune, Kelso, April 23, 1983

13. Fragrant Friday, Carlisle, October 21, 1983