John Forte
(1934 - 1992)
(1934 - 1992)
Christened Giovanni Enrico Forte but always known as ‘John’, he was born in Devon on January 27, 1934, the eight-minutes younger twin of brother Dominic (christened Domenico). Both would go on to become successful Royal Ascot-winning apprentice jockeys.
Christened Giovanni Enrico Forte but always known as ‘John’, he was born in Devon on January 27, 1934, the eight-minutes younger twin of brother Dominic (christened Domenico). Both would go on to become successful Royal Ascot-winning apprentice jockeys.
The boys’ father ran a chain of ice-cream parlours in Torquay, Exmouth and other popular Devon seaside resorts. He was keen for the twins to go into the family business but made the mistake of taking them racing, only to find that that was the direction they wanted to pursue.
The boys’ father ran a chain of ice-cream parlours in Torquay, Exmouth and other popular Devon seaside resorts. He was keen for the twins to go into the family business but made the mistake of taking them racing, only to find that that was the direction they wanted to pursue.
John and Dominic were both apprenticed to East Ilsley trainer E. Hill rode their first winners on the same horse, a one-eyed three-year-old colt named. Caledon. John was first to open his account, winning the Earle Dorling Memorial Handicap at Epsom over the Derby trip of a mile and a half on Bank Holiday Monday, August 7, 1950.
John and Dominic were both apprenticed to East Ilsley trainer E. Hill rode their first winners on the same horse, a one-eyed three-year-old colt named. Caledon. John was first to open his account, winning the Earle Dorling Memorial Handicap at Epsom over the Derby trip of a mile and a half on Bank Holiday Monday, August 7, 1950.
Dominic followed two months later, on October 4, by winning the Eridge Apprentice Handicap at Lingfield. There was some confusion following that race. A number of people protested saying that he was not entitled to claim the 5lb allowance for apprentices who had not yet ridden a winner. They had seen an apprentice named Forte won on Caledon at Epsom and assumed it was the same person. Trainer Hill had to explain that it was the other twin.
Dominic followed two months later, on October 4, by winning the Eridge Apprentice Handicap at Lingfield. There was some confusion following that race. A number of people protested saying that he was not entitled to claim the 5lb allowance for apprentices who had not yet ridden a winner. They had seen an apprentice named Forte won on Caledon at Epsom and assumed it was the same person. Trainer Hill had to explain that it was the other twin.
Both lads wanted to ride the horse in the 1950 Cesarewitch. A coin was tossed, coming down in favour of John. Alas, Caledon was unplaced in the 38-runner field.
Both lads wanted to ride the horse in the 1950 Cesarewitch. A coin was tossed, coming down in favour of John. Alas, Caledon was unplaced in the 38-runner field.
When Hill lost his licence, the boys split up for the first time in their lives. Dominic joined Keith Piggott’s stable while John went to Robert Read, who trained from Delamere, Lambourn.
When Hill lost his licence, the boys split up for the first time in their lives. Dominic joined Keith Piggott’s stable while John went to Robert Read, who trained from Delamere, Lambourn.
The highlight of their riding careers came at Royal Ascot in 1954. On the fist day of the meeting, John won the Ascot Stakes on Corydalis for Sparsholt trainer Fred Sneyd. Twenty-four hours later, Dominic won the Royal Hunt Cup on Chivalry for Lambourn trainer Tom Rimell.
The highlight of their riding careers came at Royal Ascot in 1954. On the fist day of the meeting, John won the Ascot Stakes on Corydalis for Sparsholt trainer Fred Sneyd. Twenty-four hours later, Dominic won the Royal Hunt Cup on Chivalry for Lambourn trainer Tom Rimell.
When John completed his apprenticeship he rode for a short time as a professional jockey but relinquished his licence in April 1958 and headed for pastures new. He became a very successful rider in Malaya, winning most of the big races there.
When John completed his apprenticeship he rode for a short time as a professional jockey but relinquished his licence in April 1958 and headed for pastures new. He became a very successful rider in Malaya, winning most of the big races there.
Having been out of racing for some years, John obtained a trainer’s licence in 1986 and had a small string at Barton Close Stables, Bishopsteignton, near Teignmouth. His son Andrew (Andy) rode as his conditional jockey. When John died in February 1992, Andy took over the licence and trained there until 1995.
Having been out of racing for some years, John obtained a trainer’s licence in 1986 and had a small string at Barton Close Stables, Bishopsteignton, near Teignmouth. His son Andrew (Andy) rode as his conditional jockey. When John died in February 1992, Andy took over the licence and trained there until 1995.
