John Gorton

John Joseph Gorton was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 5th, 1946 and became apprenticed to Fred Rickaby (1961 - 66).

John was 5ft 7ins.

The son of a trainer, John is from English & Scottish stock. His paternal grandfather came from Birmingham and, on his mother's side, the family came from Scotland.

He retired in 1974 and returned to South Africa where he became a trainer.

His first winner in South Africa was Silver Glade in October 1962.

His first winner in England was Nelion at Yarmouth on September 15, 1966.

John rode a total of 326 winners including Sleeping Partner, which won the 1969 Oaks.

Article courtesy Chas Hammond

Classic winner

Oaks: Sleeping Partner (1969)

Other big winners

1969: Lingfield Oaks Trial – Sleeping Partner 

1969: Ribblesdale Stakes – Sleeping Partner 

1969: Jersey Stakes - Crooner

1969: Goodwood Cup – Richmond Fair

1970: Coronation Stakes (Sandown) – Hotfoot 

1970: Lancashire Oaks – Amphora 

1970: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Hecla 

1971: Musidora Stakes – Catherine Wheel 

1971: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Padrona 

1972: Duke of York Stakes – Stilvi 

1972: King George V Stakes – Stilvi 

1972: Carlisle Bell – Golden Passenger 

1972: Solario Stakes – Duke Of Ragusa 

1972: Sun Chariot Stakes – Sleat 

1972: Cheveley Park Stakes – Jacinth 

1973: Coronation Stakes – Jacinth 

1973: Falmouth Stakes – Jacinth 

1973: Gordon Stakes – Duke Of Ragusa

1973: Goodwood Mile – Jacinth 

1974: Chester Vase – Jupiter Pluvius 

1974: Lancashire Oaks – Amphora 

1974: Extel Handicap – Take A Reef 

1974: Lowther Stakes – Cry Of Truth 

1974: Cheveley Park Stakes – Cry Of Truth