John Docker
Amateur jockey John Henry Docker, from Coundon in Coventry, was born on Christmas Eve, 1944, and enjoyed his greatest moment in the saddle when riding Burrator to victory in the 1976 Midlands Grand National.
Amateur jockey John Henry Docker, from Coundon in Coventry, was born on Christmas Eve, 1944, and enjoyed his greatest moment in the saddle when riding Burrator to victory in the 1976 Midlands Grand National.
They were not so fortunate in the 1977 Aintree Grand National, falling when still prominent.
They were not so fortunate in the 1977 Aintree Grand National, falling when still prominent.
His best season came in 1973 when he rode 11 winners.
His best season came in 1973 when he rode 11 winners.
Among the best horses he rode were Doctor Zhivago (which was his first winner: April 1972, Worcester) and Jolly's Clump.
Among the best horses he rode were Doctor Zhivago (which was his first winner: April 1972, Worcester) and Jolly's Clump.
John was a dairy farmer by trade.
John was a dairy farmer by trade.
Big winners:
Big winners:
1972: Player’s Gold Leaf Trophy Hunter Chase – Doctor Zhivago
1972: Player’s Gold Leaf Trophy Hunter Chase – Doctor Zhivago
1973: Worcester Royal Porcelain Chase – Doctor Zhivago
1973: Worcester Royal Porcelain Chase – Doctor Zhivago
1976: Midlands Grand National – Burrator
1976: Midlands Grand National – Burrator
Worcester Royal Porcelain Handicap Chase, March 28, 1973 (left to right) Balinese (Andy Turnell), Garva (Bob Davies), Blue Jamie (Brian Forsey), Esban (Richard Evans), Doctor Zhivago (the winner, John Docker) and Nom De Guerre (Johnny Haine).
Worcester Royal Porcelain Handicap Chase, March 28, 1973 (left to right) Balinese (Andy Turnell), Garva (Bob Davies), Blue Jamie (Brian Forsey), Esban (Richard Evans), Doctor Zhivago (the winner, John Docker) and Nom De Guerre (Johnny Haine).
