Ralph Moreton
1873 - 1931
1873 - 1931
Mr Ralph Moreton was born at Keele Park on August 4, 1873, and, having left school, went straight into the stables of John Porter.
Mr Ralph Moreton was born at Keele Park on August 4, 1873, and, having left school, went straight into the stables of John Porter.
Unfortunately, his opportunities as a rider were few and far between owing to the brilliance of Porter's stable jockey, the incomparable Mornington Cannon.
Unfortunately, his opportunities as a rider were few and far between owing to the brilliance of Porter's stable jockey, the incomparable Mornington Cannon.
Eventually, after a forgettable few rides, he put his dreams of being a jockey to one side - instead, he became Porter's head lad: when John Porter retired, Moreton took over the stable to begin life as a public trainer.
Eventually, after a forgettable few rides, he put his dreams of being a jockey to one side - instead, he became Porter's head lad: when John Porter retired, Moreton took over the stable to begin life as a public trainer.
His first winner was Plumb Centre (Great Northern Handicap, York). He then went on to train Varzy to win the Royal Hunt Cup by a short head in 1922, and the Chester Cup in 1924 with Rugely, at 10/1.
His first winner was Plumb Centre (Great Northern Handicap, York). He then went on to train Varzy to win the Royal Hunt Cup by a short head in 1922, and the Chester Cup in 1924 with Rugely, at 10/1.
Ralph Moreton, of Park Farm, Lambourn, died in a Newbury nursing home on Sunday, March 29, 1931, after having been unconscious for several days.
Ralph Moreton, of Park Farm, Lambourn, died in a Newbury nursing home on Sunday, March 29, 1931, after having been unconscious for several days.
He had had a long and successful career on the Turf and was much respected by those who knew him.
He had had a long and successful career on the Turf and was much respected by those who knew him.