Soon after the move, John Day left Findon after a disagreement with Mr Padwick, and Porter's apprenticeship was terminated.

He became secretary and in many ways manager of the establishment on behalf of Mr Padwick, and one cannot help but wonder how, by the age of 17, he had achieved the knowledge and the confidence to take on such a complex role and handle it with the skill, talent, erudition and integrity that led to the great career that followed.

In his will Sir Joseph gave Porter the opportunity to buy the Kingsclere estate at a price which he could afford, and he did just that.

The John Porter Stakes at Newbury Racecourse is a one and a half-mile race for older horses named in his honour.

He thought that Newbury's easily accessible location and proximity to other popular establishments in the area would make it an ideal place for a new racecourse.

The first meeting of the directors was held at the registered offices in London a few days later, with John Porter in the chair.