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SKETCH OF A FAMOUS TRAINER. John Porter, who trained seven winners of the Derby, eight horses that ran second, two that were third and eleven which failed to get any of the money, is the "Man of the Day" in a late number of Vanity Fair. This is what Jehu Junior says of him : "Born in 1838, John Porter is seventy-two years of age; but time has treated him kindly and he is still a boy at heart. In the course of a long and arduous career he has made no enemies. He has trained race horses with conspicuous success, and when not so occupied has found time to grow ttowcrs — roses especially* to COlteci pictures and engravings, of which he is an excellent judge; and to indulge in a variety of pursuits, in nearly all of which he lias figured prominently. Unspoiltd by success he never forgels those to whom fortune has been less kind and is ever ready to relieve distress. "When John Porter retired from the active duties of his profession and resigned the mastership of the great Kingsclere stable, a great turf epoch came to nil eud. But with the ending came no sadness, for to the satisfaction of a worldwide circle of friends John Porter himself is still as active, as hearty and as cheery as ever. Since his retirement he has founded and successfully launched the Newbury race course. He likes asparagus, and can play bowls."
