Alec Taylor Sr.

[2][3] He was considered one of the best trainers of his era[2] and during his career of about 50 years he won a total of 12 classics, ending in 1887 with Reve d'Or at the Oaks and 1000 Guineas,[1] together with wins in numerous other important English races.

In association with John Gulley (like himself a "rags-to-riches figure", a tavern-keeper, boxer and bookmaker - but in addition a Member of Parliament) Ridsdale won the 1832 Derby with St Giles.

This was in the form of an introduction to two of his wealthy racing acquaintances in need of a private trainer, namely Sir Joseph Henry Hawley, 3rd Baronet (1813–1875) of Leybourne Grange near Maidstone in Kent, where he owned a stud,[9] and John Stanley ("J.M.

This success attracted the attention of the Scottish aristocrat and millionaire William Stuart Stirling-Crawfurd (1819-1883) ("Craw"), a property developer in Glasgow and coal mine owner,[2][3] who took his horses to Fyfield having been double crossed by his previous trainer.

By 1870, with the patronage and financial backing of Stirling-Crawfurd, Taylor acquired a large estate at Manton on the Marlborough Downs in Wiltshire,[2][3] adjoining Fyfield.

[2][3] Following Stirling-Crawfurd's death in 1883 his widow the dowager Duchess of Montrose, a formidable character and successful owner, moved her horses to Sefton Lodge in Newmarket, named after her husband's Derby winner.

The woodwork had rotted by the 1930s and had to be removed but the two stone gateposts still bear the inscription 'In Memory of Eli Drew' Taylor's wins in the British Classic Races include: 2,000 Guineas 1,000 Guineas Epsom Derby Epsom Oaks St. Leger Stakes Alec Taylor Sr. died in 1894[1] and was buried in Fyfield Churchyard, his gravestone being situated just west of the Church Tower, later joined by other family members.

[1][3] Alec Taylor, Jr., known as the "Wizard of Manton",[1][15] became a successful trainer, and was reputed not to heavily train or race young horses until they were two years of age, unlike his father who is said to have galloped his yearlings.