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Mark Johnson
@CommentatorMark
Horse Racing Commentator in Britain, America, Qatar & Bahrain. Only person to call both the KY Derby & Epsom Derby. ITV Race Commentator. Eurovision obsessive!
London England & Denver CO
Joined June 2009
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  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Nov 8, 2023
    Breeders’ Cup have announced the 2025 meeting will take place at Del Mar in Southern California - which means Del Mar will stage back-to-back years ‘24&’25. What a terrible decision, what on earth justifies 3 consecutive years in Southern California? Insulting to KY & NY racing.
    76K
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Jan 4, 2022
    Make a note of the name GARRYBELLO. He is a huge (and I mean a giant) 4-y-o gelding by Ballingarry. He is now 2/3 over Hurdles (won at Cagnes today) Has an incredibly high cruising speed. Trained by Serge Foucher so likely to be sold on in the near future…a potential superstar.
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Dec 5, 2021
    The angle of the finish from the commentary box at Aintree is testing to say the least. I was 100% certain Snow Leopardess had won The Becher as they hit the line but then aged 10 years waiting for the result go be called. Relieved I got it right! A very long but enjoyable day.
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Sep 29, 2020
    Having to spend the night near Glasgow airport after Ayr today - fly home tomorrow morning - not a bad evening away from home - the pizza has truffle oil, the wine is excellent & YES I am playing St Andrews (-1 thru’ 5)
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Aug 16, 2020
    Setting off shortly to do my first day in @RacingTV since Sunday 22 March - on a busy day with four meetings I think I may well come on for the run!
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Jun 19, 2020
    Really looking forward to calling Saturday’s action at Royal Ascot on both @itvracing in the UK & @NBC in the US. Awesome card headlined by a trio of Group/Grade 1 races & rounded out by the longest flat race run in the UK all year. How cool is this?
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Mar 4, 2020
    Many congratulations to @CSoumillon for this afternoon becoming the winning-most jockey ever in French flat racing - winner number 3315 beating the great Yves St Martin. CHAPEAU
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Jan 2, 2022
    Great to be back at Larkhill Point-to-Point course for the first time in a few years today. Bumped into several old friends not seen for a bit. Also nice to be back racing when there isn’t football style chanting - just families enjoying racing in the country - rain and all!!!
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Mar 13, 2021
    Raising a glass this evening to the late great Murray Walker. A truly great broadcaster & the last of great first-wave BBC TV sports commentators alongside the likes of O’Sullevan, Alliss, Benaud, Maskell, Weeks, Carpenter & Coleman.
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Apr 16, 2023
    Several of the current “voices of the Grand National” (plus one of John’s old Lambourn luncheon buddies) out at the John Hanmer Melling Road - the current TV 3rd fence commentary box (John’s position) is the box over mine & John Hunt’s shoulders.
    23K
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Oct 6, 2020
    18 horses have been declared for this Sunday’s 130th running of the Velka Pardubicka. Pleased to confirm we will once again be showing the race on @RacingTV . Likely the build-up & race will be live on a dedicated RacingTV Extra feed & race shown recorded on the main channel.
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Oct 9, 2017
    So sorry to report the death of Belgium-based French jockey Anthony Deau this afternoon after a terrible fall at Mons racecourse last night
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Jun 19, 2017
    Can't believe it, in my 32nd year of calling ITV gave me the chance to work at Royal Ascot for the 1st time & I start with the King's Stand!
  • user avatar
    Mark Johnson
    @CommentatorMark
    Dec 3, 2018
    Greatly honoured tonight to have been voted in as the new @jerseyraceclub President. Racing at Les Landes really is a most extraordinary racing experience - the best show on Jersey - at the most picturesque of racecourses. 28 years after my first visit I still love it dearly.