MARK JOHNSTON is one of Britain’s leading racehorse trainers and is based at Middleham in North Yorkshire.

He became the first Flat trainer to send out more than 200 winners in a season in 2009 and then repeated the feat the following year. He has won the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, the Ascot Gold Cup three times and the Goodwood Cup five times. He says his best horses include Mister Baileys, Shamardal, Attraction, and Double Trigger.

For more information visit www.markjohnstonracing.com What was your first car?

I am one of those people who could real off my life history in cars, including those that my parents had from the time I was about five. If you don't count the Austin A35 van which I bought for £7 when I was about 11 or 12 and drove on a stretch of disused railway line near our home, my first car was an MG Midget registration VGA 450 R. My father lost his licence and gave me his Vauxhall Victor Estate which I promptly traded in for the Midget. I think the new cost was just under £2,000. I did various jobs to earn money for petrol while I was at university but servicing was beyond my means (I did about 20,000 miles a year - with nowhere to go). It came with 'British Leyland Supercover' which was an extended warranty provided you kept the service book up to date. I used to change the oil and filters myself, disconnect the speedo cable, and wind the clock back with a pin. It rarely 'officially' needed a service.

How many times did it take to pass your test, who taught you and what in?

I learned to drive about the age of 11 in that A35 van but, once I turned 17, it took me five months and three tests to get a licence. I failed twice for 'not making normal progress' - going too slow! - that's ironic. I had lessons in Glasgow in a Ford Escort Mkll but gave up on the lessons after the first failure. After that I practiced and took my tests in my mum's Vauxhall Viva.

Who would be your ideal fantasy passenger and where would you go?

I think it would be former racing driver Jackie Stewart on the Stockiemuir Road from Drymen to Glasgow. We could see who remembered the road best. I used to know every turn, pot hole and even where the drain covers were.

What is your dream car?

Contrary to what BMW like to tell us, I think the car I drive now is, almost, the 'ultimate driving machine' although I sort of hanker for its big brother, the Porsche Turbo. Deirdre's car, a Jaguar XKR, is, to my mind, just about the best, usable, grand tourer on the road so I really think I have the best of all worlds. So, I suppose the dream car would be a modernised classic like an Eagle E Type or an XK150.

How would you describe your driving style?

I think I've probably said enough to give you a fair idea.

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

When my wife, Deirdre, was 14, her parents had a holiday house near where I lived. I used to drive my MG down the road from Kinlochard to Aberfoyle, change down for the bends about half a mile before their house, and see if I could catch her running to the hedge to watch me go by. She still says it was only the car that attracted her.

What is playing in your car at the moment and why?

I listen to the Radio 2 most of the time in the car and, unfortunately, it doesn't have an iPod dock. The 6 CD's currently in the car are by Donna Summer, Taylor Swift, Elvis Costello, Amy McDonald, Pink and The Dixie Chicks.

What do you drive now and why?

A Porsche Carrera 4S because it is a supercar that you can use every day in all weathers and conditions. I also have a Toyota Amazon for going up the gallops and a 1965 E Type Jaguar for rare sunny days. And, of course, Deirdre has that magnificent Jaguar that I can pinch for the long drives.