Training great Fulke Johnson Houghton dies aged 84

Former trainer Fulke Johnson Houghton has died at the age of 84.

Johnson Houghton took out a licence at the age of 20, his mother Helen having trained before him at Woodway Stables in Blewbury, although her name was not listed officially as women were not recognised as trainers by the Jockey Club at that time.

He was responsible for many stars of the Flat. Among them were the likes of Ribofilio, Ribocco and Ribero, who all carried the Nijinsky silks of American businessman Charles Engelhard.

Rose Bowl and Habitat were other top-class performers, as was Ile De Bourbon, winner of the 1978 King George And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, where he also won the King Edward VII Stakes at the Royal meeting.

Johnson Houghton retired from training in 2006 with his daughter Eve taking over the licence at the historic Oxfordshire yard.

She paid a loving tribute to her “wonderful father” who was revered by many.

“He had a wonderful life and was a wonderful father, who was loved by a lot of people,” said Johnson Houghton.

“We kept staff here for over 50 years and people loved working for him. He was a lovely person and brilliant employer as well as being a brilliant trainer and we’re going to miss him.

“I think his best horses were Ile De Bourbon and Rose Bowl, she was amazing. He trained some wonderful horses, Habitat, Double Form and there were some great wins in there.”

Ile De Bourbon was ridden by John Reid, who remembered Johnson Houghton as a “real gentleman”.

“I saw him earlier in the week in Oaksey House and he was looking sprightly and alert,” he said.

“He was a real gentleman, an amazing character and a nicer man you couldn’t meet.

“I had been with Verly Bewicke but then Fulke’s second jockey Frank Morby moved to Peter Walwyn’s and it gave me the opportunity to get some rides, of which the first one was a winner owned by George Ward.

“I had 3lb left of my claim and as fortune would have it, I ended up being first jockey behind Lester (Piggott) and Willie (Carson).

“Ile De Bourbon was a life changer when he won the King George, while Double Form won the King’s Stand and the Abbaye and was champion sprinter.

“I had a fantastic time at Blewbury and was very fond of Fulke.”