100 years on: Remembering Kingsclere legend and Newbury Racecourse founder John Porter

Today (Monday) marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Kingsclere legend John Porter – the most successful racehorse trainer in Victorian times and the founder of Newbury Racecourse.

The death of Mr Porter, who spent much of his life living in Kingsclere, warranted a full page tribute in the February 23, 1922 edition of the Newbury Weekly News, including a message from King George V, who spoke of his sadness having known Mr Porter “for so many years”.

Mr Porter, born March 2, 1838, in Rugeley, Staffordshire, became a key figure within both Kingsclere and Newbury, establishing himself as a “leading spirit” of the Hampshire village.