Johnston still going strong

Fresh from claiming the all-weather champion trainer title on Saturday, Mark Johnston is showing no signs of slowing up on the sand as Fongs Gazelle claimed the opener at Kempton.

Positioned in second in a tactical three-runner affair for the Kempton For Family Fun Days Median Auction Maiden Stakes as Title Deed made the running, she swept past with two furlongs to run.

Despite being sent off an uneasy 11-8 favourite and hanging slightly, Fongs Gazelle strode away and was kept up to her work to hold off Shawhill by a tidy length and a half.

Johnston’s representative Jock Bennett said: “I doubt that was the best race in the world and turning the bend I thought we were struggling, but she has seen the trip out well and was a good price in the end.”