Racing legend Fulke Johnson Houghton – who was ‘loved by everyone’ and had a ‘wonderful life’ – dead aged 84
RACING legend Fulke Johnson Houghton – who was ‘loved by everyone’ and lived a ‘wonderful life’ – has sadly died aged 84.
The Royal Ascot-winning trainer’s passing was confirmed by his daughter Eve, who took over the licence when her dad retired in 2006.
She said: “He had a wonderful life and was a wonderful father, who was loved by a lot of people.
“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.”
Houghton was spending time with Ile De Bourbon’s jockey John Reid just a few short days ago.
The former rider said: “I saw him earlier in the week in Oaksey House and he was looking sprightly and alert.
“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.”
The Johnson Houghton family are steeped in racing history.
The late Johnson Houghton’s mother Helen, was twin sister of famed jumps trainer Fulke Walwyn, who to this day has a race – the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir – named after him at Cheltenham Festival.