One of Britain’s leading young trainers joins the latest episode of the Jamie Railton 'On The Coalface' Podcast as Charlie Johnston reflects on life at the helm of one of racing’s most recognisable operations.

Still only in the early years of his training career, Johnston has already trained more than 450 winners and amassed over £8 million in prize money since taking over the licence at Kingsley Park. In a wide-ranging conversation, he opens up on carving out his own identity after succeeding his father Mark Johnston, the realities of inheriting a major racing business, and the challenge of balancing tradition with evolution.

The conversation also looks ahead to Epsom, with Johnston discussing his exciting Derby contender Ancient Egypt, last year’s brilliant run with Lazy Griff, and what it would mean to deliver a Classic success for owner Kia Joorabchian. He explains why attracting more high-end bloodstock is central to his long-term ambitions and reflects on the perception of Johnston Racing as specialists with middle-distance horses.

Elsewhere, Charlie shares his thoughts on the changing riding styles within the yard, the influence of legendary jockey Joe Fanning, and whether his training methods differ from those of his father.

In the second half of the episode, the discussion broadens into the future of British racing, including governance of the sport, fixture list concerns, prize money, racecourse power, ownership experience and the wider bloodstock market.

With thanks to Charlie and our sponsors: Saracen Horse Feeds, Oliver St Lawrence Bloodstock and Whitsbury Manor Stud.

Jamie Railton is joined by Roderic Kavanagh of Glending Stables and Kildaragh Stud for a really interesting look at the modern breeze-up market - how much it has changed, where the value can still be found and why the sector is now producing top-class performers at the highest level.

They also discuss Glending’s journey, the horses including Vandeek that helped put the operation on the map, the importance of trust and horsemanship, and the new Breeze Up Consignors Committee code of conduct.

A great listen as head into the Breeze Ups in April

On the latest episode of On The Coalface, we’re joined by our first jockey guest, Jim Crowley, champion Flat jockey in 2016 and long-time Shadwell number one. Jim looks back at his early years around point-to-pointers and hunting in Berkshire, the “proper grounding” that shaped him, and the moment Harvey Smith spotted him and took him up to Yorkshire.

From there, Jim talks through switching codes after 300 winners over jumps, the milestones that moved his Flat career on, and how his curiosity for pedigrees and stallion traits led him into breeding. The conversation then turns to the stallions he knows as well as anyone: Mostahdaf, Minzaal and Baaeed - what made them different, what they might pass on, and why toughness and temperament still matter.

Jim also speaks candidly about his serious fall at York, the reality of rehab, and how the last year has reshaped his perspective on racing and life.

Sponsored by:

•⁠  ⁠Whitsbury Manor Stud

•⁠  ⁠Oliver St Lawrence Bloodstock

•⁠  ⁠Saracen Horse Feeds

In this episode of On The Coal Face, Jamie Railton sits down with Martin Pipe, one of the most influential trainers in National Hunt racing history.

From starting with no background in horses to becoming a 15-time Champion Trainer, Martin reflects on the thinking, discipline and decisions that reshaped how racehorses are trained. He talks openly about introducing weighing, blood testing, interval training and swimming long before they became standard practice, and how lessons learned from greyhound racing helped shape his methods.

The conversation covers landmark horses, pivotal Cheltenham moments, programme-book planning, front-running tactics and the trainers and jockeys who came through his yard. Martin also revisits the media scrutiny he faced at the height of his success, shares stories behind iconic wins, and explains why fitness, routine and preparation always mattered more than fashion.

In the second half of the episode, Martin discusses the modern training landscape, the jockeys he learned most from, where the next edge might come from, and how closely he still follows the horses at home today.

A rare, reflective and detailed insight from a man who changed the sport by doing things differently.

Sponsored by:

• Whitsbury Manor Stud

• Oliver St Lawrence Bloodstock

• Saracen Horse Feeds

Mick and David Easterby - Reflection on Times