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Trainer (T)

Associated Places:  Cannons Heath, Kingsclere, Hampshire; Newbury Races; Rugely, Staffs; Findon; Michael Grove, Sussex

Description:

John Porter was undoubtably the most succesful trainer of the Victorian era. He trained the winners of 23 Classics, including 3 Triple Crown winners and a total of 7 Derbys. He was also founder and managing director of Newbury Racecourse.

John Porter was born in Staffordshire and apprenticed to John Barham Day at Michael Grove in Sussex, weighing only 4st 10. His riding career was short and by the time William Goater took over the stable, now at Findon, Porter was head lad. He was then appointed as Sir Joseph Hawley's trainer at the Cannons Heath stable, with John Wells as stable jockey, quickly establishing the pair as a leading force in racing. Sir Joseph built the famous new stables at Kingsclere and when he died John Porter was able to buy them, later greatly enlarging them at considerable expense. He attracted prestigious owners, including in 1881 The 1st Duke of Westminster and in 1886 the Prince of Wales. He retired in 1905.