Johnston hands over licence to son Charlie

Mark Johnston - the trainer of more winners in the history of British racing than anyone else - is relinquishing his role as joint-trainer with his son, Charlie, although he is keen to stress he is not retiring.

Johnston, 63, who is responsible for over 5,000 victories, went into partnership with his son earlier this year.

While it was always the intention for Charlie to take sole control of the yard at some point, it was not expected to be so soon. Three horses have been entered to run next week in just Charlie's name.

"Charlie's had a sole licence since the beginning of last week. A lot of the horses have already been transferred over, who didn't have entries," Johnston said.

"It was only those who had entries today and tomorrow that are still on the joint-licence.

"It has just been coming. Nothing has really changed in terms of our roles. They will continue. I just didn't feel that the joint-licence worked. It served a purpose and I'm not saying they shouldn't have joint-licences, I just felt it was a bit of a limbo.

"When we had big successes, Charlie wasn't getting credit for the part he plays. I just felt that if we were to have a spectacular winner somewhere, it wouldn't be quite the same as being an individual.

"We went to a joint-licence at the beginning of last year and the plan was it would be at least three or four years, but I just felt there was no point. I just felt it should be one name.

"I'll still be there, doing the same hours, but in not quite the same capacity as my name won't be on the licence."

Johnston - whose great horses included Attraction, Mister Baileys, Shamardal and the hugely-popular Double Trigger - added: "I just felt the joint-licence was a bit of a pointless exercise. I think in order to get to