John Fullerton
John Fullerton
John Fullerton
1915 - 1941
1915 - 1941
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Born in 1915, John Warwick Fullerton rode without success on the Flat in 1932 but had slightly better fortune with three winners under National Hunt rules.
Born in 1915, John Warwick Fullerton rode without success on the Flat in 1932 but had slightly better fortune with three winners under National Hunt rules.
He had his first ride when unplaced on Prince Troy in the Fenton Selling Handicap Hurdle at Uttoxeter on May 10, 1932. Having ridden over jumps precluded him from being able to claim an allowance on the Flat when he made his debut on Princeliest in the Stanton Maiden Plate at Worcester two months later on July 27, that being the only year he held a Flat licence.
He had his first ride when unplaced on Prince Troy in the Fenton Selling Handicap Hurdle at Uttoxeter on May 10, 1932. Having ridden over jumps precluded him from being able to claim an allowance on the Flat when he made his debut on Princeliest in the Stanton Maiden Plate at Worcester two months later on July 27, that being the only year he held a Flat licence.
It was not until January 3, 1938 that he first visited the winner’s enclosure following Alderede’s victory in the Novices’ Chase at Manchester. Beaten 10 lengths into second place that day was Black Duncan, partnered by Bruce Hobbs, who just a few weeks later would become the youngest jockey to win the Grand National. John had ridden the seven-year-old Alderede in his three previous outings that season, which had yielded two fourth-place finishes and a fall. He kept the ride for one more fourth place at Birmingham before being replaced by leading jockey Danny Morgan.
It was not until January 3, 1938 that he first visited the winner’s enclosure following Alderede’s victory in the Novices’ Chase at Manchester. Beaten 10 lengths into second place that day was Black Duncan, partnered by Bruce Hobbs, who just a few weeks later would become the youngest jockey to win the Grand National. John had ridden the seven-year-old Alderede in his three previous outings that season, which had yielded two fourth-place finishes and a fall. He kept the ride for one more fourth place at Birmingham before being replaced by leading jockey Danny Morgan.
More than 18 months elapsed before John added to his total when winning the Abbeydore Hurdle at Hereford on Easter Monday, April 10, 1939 aboard the four-year-old Niersteiner, beating ten rivals. A month later came his third, and final, victory when Nonza took the Woore Chase at that Shropshire venue on May 11, beating Knock-a-Penny, ridden by Jack Dowdeswell.
More than 18 months elapsed before John added to his total when winning the Abbeydore Hurdle at Hereford on Easter Monday, April 10, 1939 aboard the four-year-old Niersteiner, beating ten rivals. A month later came his third, and final, victory when Nonza took the Woore Chase at that Shropshire venue on May 11, beating Knock-a-Penny, ridden by Jack Dowdeswell.
Despite those performances, John did not have any more wins and did not renew his licence after the 1939/40 season.
Despite those performances, John did not have any more wins and did not renew his licence after the 1939/40 season.
Instead, John Warwick Fullerton became Private 5117020 in the Worcestershire Regiment. He died on March 17, 1941 during the North Africa campaign. He was buried in the Keren War Cemetery in Eritrea.
Instead, John Warwick Fullerton became Private 5117020 in the Worcestershire Regiment. He died on March 17, 1941 during the North Africa campaign. He was buried in the Keren War Cemetery in Eritrea.
John Fullerton's first win: Alderede at Manchester
John Fullerton's first win: Alderede at Manchester