John Johnstone

Together with his cousin Sir Robert Buchanan-Jardine, Andrew and then his brother John Johnstone ran Sheffield Lane Paddocks Stud from 1840 and bred Pretender, who, owned by him, won the 2,000 Guineas and Derby. His grandson, also John, was Taipan of Jardine Matheson during the First World War and an accomplished amateur rider.

He won 1,000 races in China and Hong Kong with his first winner at age 16 in a point-to-point in Dumfriesshire. He won 14 Grand Nationals in China and at one meeting in Hong Kong rode in 30 races, and won 16 of them, and on his return home officiated as a steward at several northern racecourses.

His son Andrew rode in races before the war, and afterwards managed Brickfields Stud in Newmarket, standing stallions Darius and Worden II, and this was where John Johnstone was brought up and lived until the stud was sold in 1976.

After leaving school John worked a season as “stageur” at the renowned Haras du Mesnil et de la Chausee in France, followed by riding out for Doug Smith, Gavin Pritchard Gordon and Henry Cecil in the 1970’s.

Following three years at the Royal Agricultural College Cirencester, and a period working for Buccleuch Estates in Dumfriesshire he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1982.

He moved back to Newmarket in 1984 and combined his love of horses with a property consultancy culminating with the formation of Keylocks, now offering a range of property and equestrian related products.

The family has continued to have broodmares and horses in training over the years with some success but nothing to match the achievements of forebears in the 19th century. With mares boarded at the National Stud recent home bred success under the “Johnstone Partnership” includes PERCY SHELLEY (Sir Percy  – She’s Gorgeous) a winner of 2 races at Longchamp, 1 at Chantilly and placed 3rd in Grand Prix du Nord, L. Now dual purpose he won his first start over hurdles in September 2025. The same dam has produced SIR EDWARD LEAR (Mukhadram), a first time out winner at Ripon in 2024 and winner at Newmarket in 2025.      

Over the years John has built up extensive contacts within both the Bloodstock and Property worlds, and acts as consultant for a number of Thoroughbred Studs and Racing Yards. Photographs – The Johnstone Partnership – John Johnstone(Grandfather) at Cheltenham circa 1922