by Najja Thompson
Bruce Johnstone, Manager of Racing Operations for the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), is this week's guest on Across the Board with Andy Serling, now available for download.
Johnstone joined Serling Friday morning, February 2 at Aqueduct Racetrack to discuss his career in the industry, spanning both the front and backside of the racetrack.
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, Johnstone pursued a career in thoroughbred racing after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley and serving in the military.
Beginning his career at Claiborne Farm in the early 1970s, he made his way to the NYRA circuit in 1972, working as an assistant to Victor J. "Lefty" Nickerson. He worked for the legendary Phipps Stable from 1974-80 before embarking on a training career.
Amassing more than $5 million in earnings with 198 victories before retiring in 2007, Johnstone most notably trained Grade 2 Bay Shore winner Buck Aly in 1986 and Secrettame, dam to multiple graded stakes winner Gone West.
Hired by NYRA shortly following his training career, Johnstone also talked about his current role and working with the final offspring of legendary horses, such as Bold Ruler.
Launched in April 2017, Across the Board with Andy Serling is a podcast presented by the New York Racing Association. New episodes of the show will be released in regular installments throughout the year, providing fans and horseplayers with access to the most interesting personalities in racing.