Johnston misses

Mark Johnston drew a blank yesterday in his search for the one winner he needs to complete a record 1,000.

Mark Johnston drew a blank yesterday in his search for the one winner he needs to complete a record 1,000.

The Middleham trainer, who moved on to 999 with four victories on Monday, was out of luck with his only runner at Ripon.

And neither Mana D'Argent, Love Everlasting nor Ashleigh Baker was able to make Johnston the fastest man to four figures on the Flat in Britain by winning at York.

Johnston, who sent out his first winner only 13 years ago, heads for Musselburgh today where Spirit Of Khambani bids to clinch the record.

Mana D'Argent was a heavily backed 6-4 favourite in the Garrowby Rated Handicap at York, attracting one on-course bet of £16,250-£10,000. But the three-year-old trailed in last of four.

After Love Everlasting and Ashleigh Baker were both beaten, Johnston was left to plot a trip north of the Border. But he said: "Spirit Of Khambani is our only runner and I am not particularly hopeful."

* Amateur rider Trevor Radford, 64, was still "stable" in Southampton General Hospital yesterday following a fall at Goodwood on Saturday in which he suffered a subdural haemorrhage of the brain.

* William Haggas's Racina was third to Iron Mask in the Group Three Prix d'Arenberg at Chantilly yesterday. Alan Berry's Red Millennium finished fourth.