And, he is still fondly remembered.

Born at Murrurundi and a resident in the Upper Hunter all of his life, he – at one time – had the Retreat Farm at Middlebrook, Scone, and earned much praise for the quality of yearlings produced by a small band of broodmares.

One of his early products was Troyvic, a 1989 born gelding who he raced himself on 16 occasions for four wins and five minor places. 

He won at Newcastle, the Sunshine Coast (1.6 lengths) and Moree (twice at two, including their Sires’ Plate). 

Two Scone horse-world identities pleased with Troyvic’s success were veterinarian Bill Howey OAM and Lesley Moore, a helpmate in the production of the Australian Thoroughbred. 

“I first met John almost 50 years ago when he helped prepare the Poll Hereford Bulls for sale at F K Mackay’s Mullee Stud just outside Scone,” Howey said.

“He was very good at it. 

“John later looked after the feedlot at F J Walker’s Aberdeen before becoming a long-time cattle buyer. 

“He bred and raised good yearlings at Retreat Farm and sold for very good process at the Magic Millions Sales. 

“He was a top bloke and I liked him very much.

“He’ll be sadly missed.”

Moore’s father, the late Jack Johnston, also an OAM, stood Troyvic’s sire Nioka Prince at his Tyrone Stud at the northern end of Scone.

Raced seven times for one win, Nioka Prince was a year younger brother of Bakerman, a representative of the first crop of subsequent Widden Stud-based champion Biscay sire Bletchingly and, graduating from Scone yearling sales, was his first stakes winner. 

He was successful in 15 races, including a Group 3.

Nioka Prince and Bakerman were both bred by Howey and his wife Sarah, original shareholders in Bletchingly.