John Marshall
John Marshall served his apprenticeship with Harvey Leader at Wroughton House Stables, 37, Old Station Road, Newmarket, between 1945 to 1950.
John Marshall served his apprenticeship with Harvey Leader at Wroughton House Stables, 37, Old Station Road, Newmarket, between 1945 to 1950.
His nickname was London.
His nickname was London.
His workmates at that time included Sammy Millbanks, Taffy Williams, George Drinkall, 'Manch' Godfrey Graham, Jimmy Goose, Pete Pickford (who went on to become a top NH rider) and Brian Ovis.
His workmates at that time included Sammy Millbanks, Taffy Williams, George Drinkall, 'Manch' Godfrey Graham, Jimmy Goose, Pete Pickford (who went on to become a top NH rider) and Brian Ovis.
The head lad at the time was Jazz Fitzall. Other stable lads included Sid Baxter and George 'Ginger' Ingles.
The head lad at the time was Jazz Fitzall. Other stable lads included Sid Baxter and George 'Ginger' Ingles.
The first winner John looked after was Heel & Toe, ridden by Micky Greening.
The first winner John looked after was Heel & Toe, ridden by Micky Greening.
John's first few months of work were served at Denston Hall in Top Green, Denston Village, where he lodged with Dick & Grace Cracknell. Then he moved on to Wroughton House and found digs in Exning with Mr & Mrs Bunting.
John's first few months of work were served at Denston Hall in Top Green, Denston Village, where he lodged with Dick & Grace Cracknell. Then he moved on to Wroughton House and found digs in Exning with Mr & Mrs Bunting.
There were two local picture houses (cinemas), The Doric and the Kingsway, where the stable lads would drive the managers mad by trying to sneak in via the emergency exit.
There were two local picture houses (cinemas), The Doric and the Kingsway, where the stable lads would drive the managers mad by trying to sneak in via the emergency exit.
The lads were so poorly paid that it was the only way sometimes to see the film.
The lads were so poorly paid that it was the only way sometimes to see the film.
One Saturday John sneaked in and the usherette demanded to see his ticket.
One Saturday John sneaked in and the usherette demanded to see his ticket.
On impulse he said: 'You fetch the manager and not only will I show you my ticket, but I will demand an apology as well!'
On impulse he said: 'You fetch the manager and not only will I show you my ticket, but I will demand an apology as well!'
This from an undersized fourteen-year-old. John sat back, feeling very pleased with himself.
This from an undersized fourteen-year-old. John sat back, feeling very pleased with himself.
Just a few minutes later the manager and the doorman - an ex-sergeant - came from behind and, lifting his five-stone body, threw him out of the cinema. He was also banned for four weeks.
Just a few minutes later the manager and the doorman - an ex-sergeant - came from behind and, lifting his five-stone body, threw him out of the cinema. He was also banned for four weeks.
The picture houses are now both night clubs.
The picture houses are now both night clubs.
When they weren't playing snooker at the Lads' Institute, John and his mates would go scrumping in the large orchard owned by trainer Frank Butters.
When they weren't playing snooker at the Lads' Institute, John and his mates would go scrumping in the large orchard owned by trainer Frank Butters.
Eventually, after doing his National Service, John worked all over the U.K. he last job being Head Lad for Frank Hudson at Botley House in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, where, in 1957, he helped train Sundew to win that year's Grand National.
Eventually, after doing his National Service, John worked all over the U.K. he last job being Head Lad for Frank Hudson at Botley House in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, where, in 1957, he helped train Sundew to win that year's Grand National.
When Frank Hudson retired, John and his wife went to Aotearao in New Zealand to manage a stud farm and racing establishment.
When Frank Hudson retired, John and his wife went to Aotearao in New Zealand to manage a stud farm and racing establishment.