Alan Derek Oughton was born in Hampshire on April 27, 1929, but sadly was destined to die from cancer whilst still a young man.
He rode his first winner on Lochcado, trained by Harry Hannon, in the South Downs Hurdle at Plumpton at Plumpton on September 29, 1947.
He was retained by Don Butchers and, in 1957-58 enjoyed his best season with 24 winners.
He finished fourth on Eagle Lodge in the infamous Grand National of 1956 when Devon Loch famously collapsed on the run-in with the race in the bag
Alan excelled over the Grand National fences, winning the Becher Chase on Tiberetta and the Molyneux Chase on Eagle Lodge. Other major wins included the Imperial Cup and Lingfield’s Shaun Spadah Chase.
Alan began training after quitting the saddle. He recorded his first double as a trainer at Folkestone on 30 October, 1967, when Port o’ Christo and Be Cheerful both scored.
The win which gave him the greatest pleasure, however, came at Sandown when, on his last ever racecourse appearance, Solimyth won the 1969 Royal Artillery Gold Cup.
He said afterwards: “I have had 100 winners in my seven years as a trainer, but none has given me more pleasure than this. Solimyth will now spend the rest of his days as my hack.”
Alan Oughton died of cancer on June 25, 1972, aged 43. His wife, Diane, took over the licence. Then, when Diane passed away, their son David picked up the reins.
1956: Imperial Cup – Peggy Jones
1957: Becher Chase – Tiberetta
1959: Molyneux Chase – Eagle Lodge