The Yorkshire-based trainer got off the mark as the 14/1 chance Sennockian Star burst through in the closing stages to deny Luca Cumani’s Ajman Bridge in the opening bet365.com Stakes, a handicap over 10 furlongs. Johnston also saddled the third and fourth, Salutation and Busatto.

The last-named set a good gallop with Salutation shadowing him for most of the way. As he finally wore him down and looked the likely winner, Ajman Bridge arrived on the scene to join issue but it was Sennockian Star and Joe Fanning, third for most of the journey, who shot between horses to gain the day close home.