Trainer Krystle Johnston secures biggest win with Executed in Lightning Stakes

KRYSTLE Johnston delivered her family one of their biggest successes when Executed landed a betting plunge in Wednesday’s postponed Listed Lightning Stakes.

KRYSTLE Johnston delivered her family one of their biggest successes when Executed landed a betting plunge in Wednesday’s postponed Listed Lightning Stakes.

Johnston has been training for the past two years, after taking over the team of horses her parents Stan and Marilyn race all over the state. She has trained more than 60 winners in that time but this was her biggest victory.

Executed wore down Glenbawn Dame in the run to the line as Johnston screamed “Go Exy” from the grandstand for the length of the straight.

“We took Craiglea Wandoo down to The Championships and when he ran fourth that was amazing, but to win this race is a huge thrill,” she said. “He had an injury and we were told he may never race again. He’s come back and proven everyone wrong.’’

Johnston attended to the horse on her own, with dad on the road again and mum staying at the family’s Craiglea Stud.

“Dad’s on his way to Townsville and mum’s holding the fort at home,” she said.

Executed was the subject of a well-planned plonk, firming from $10 to $5.50. Professional punters clearly assessed his recent wins in Townsville and Mackay as good enough to measure up in the rescheduled Listed feature.

Executed was given a trouble-free rails-hugging ride by Anthony Allen, who said his only concern was being able to stay in touch with the leaders.

It was Executed’s first metropolitan win at his 12th attempt and he took his record to 12 wins from 29 starts.

Originally published as Trainer Krystle Johnston secures biggest win with Executed in Lightning Stakes