SO close but yet so far for Middleham trainer Mark Johnston - that just about sums up his relationship with the Ladbrokes St Leger.

The master of Kingsley House saddles three runners tomorrow in the final Classic of the season at Doncaster Racecourse, as he bids to break an 12-year losing run for North Yorkshire trainers in the race.

Not since Bollin Eric won the marathon mile and three quarter contest in 2002 for Great Habton's Tim Easterby has anyone from the county won the blue riband event on Town Moor and Johnston has come nearer than most.

With three thirds from seven previous Leger runners, the Scot saddles Hartnell, Alex My Boy and Somewhat as he bids to claim what would be a hugely popular victory.

Regular rider Joe Fanning has opted for Hartnell, who already has a top class victory to his name this season in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot.

Somewhat was third to Mukhadram in the Coral-Eclipse, while Alex My Boy was a runner-up in the March Stakes.

All have firm claims, and all stand in the final declarations, but the ground may yet be a factor.

Johnston's wife, Deirdre, said: "I think at the moment, if the ground is good, all three are planning to run.

"Hartnell goes on any ground, he'd prefer it slightly softer, and that's the same for Alex My Boy.

"If it's faster than good, he won't run, and if it's good to soft, or softer, then Somewhat wouldn't run."

Those who believe in fate will be interested to note the year as Johnston prepares his entrants for their St Leger tilts.

The trainer's first British Classic win came in the 2,000 Guineas with Mister Baileys in 1994.

Ten years later, it was the brilliant Attraction who scooped the 1,000 Guineas.

What chance he does it again in 2014?

 

GOOD news for North Yorkshire horse watchers.

Whatever happens in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown tomorrow evening, The Grey Gatsby will remain in training next year.

Kevin Ryan's star three-year-old, the winner of the Dante Stakes at York and the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly, will dual with Derby winner Australia in Ireland - bidding to overturn his defeat in the Juddmonte International on Knavesmire last month.

"Ryan Moore will ride him," said Sutton Bank-based Ryan, who was without the services of The Grey Gatsby's regular partner for York's showpiece Group 1 contest.

"They're the two best three-year-olds in Europe and if we don't take him on again, where else would we go?

"I'm not saying we'd have beaten him at York, but he did get first run on us. Saturday will be another day, after another three weeks. But there are some other good ones in there, it's not just a two-horse race."

Australia is due to retire to stud at the end of the end of the season but, when asked whether The Grey Gatsby would go again as a four-year-old, Ryan added: "That's the one certainty there is."