South Yorkshire Times, May 23rd.
The flat racing career of the young Denaby jockey, 21 years old Johnny Marston, may soon come to an end due to weight problems. With his weight now standing at well over eight stone, this promising young rider may very well find himself “over the sticks” before long.
Johnny, who has wridden 10 winners since he joined Ken Cornell on leaving school in 1958, was all set for another successful season, but is now finding it increasingly difficult to find mounts owing to his weight.
John his father Mr Dick Marston, told me at his Clifton Street home this week that with his son’s weight now standing at 8 stone 12 lbs, it was very doubtful if he would find many more mounts on the flat.
“It’s flat racing career is almost finished,” said Mr Marston. “When he left home in 1958 he was five stone and an ideal build. Weight has never been one of his problems until last year when, to everyone’s surprise, he started putting it on.
“It isn’t just a question of him being overweight or fat; he’s filling out and there isn’t much anyone can do about it.”
Mr Marston added that it was a very big disappointment to everyone as Johnny was set for a successful season again.
Mrs May Marston expressed her concern for Johnny and told me that she wasn’t very happy about her son’s weight problems.
“There is nothing we can do about it, although I must have made that it is of course, a great disappointment. Quite honestly, it just doesn’t seem worth the trouble he has getting to a reasonable weight.”
First this Season.
John his first ride of the season was on Monday in the jaw. Charles Apprentice And the At Doncaster when he rode Marchakin, a successful mount in the past for Lester Piggott, and was watched by his parents. Being the first time out this season for the horse, it failed two furlongs out and finish fifth behind the favourite.
Mr Marston pointed out that everyone was satisfied with sun-dried the eye was the authors in experience this season, which didn’t earn it a place.
Asked about the possibility of his son riding in hurdle racing, Mr Marston said that it was a possibility.
“Johnny has mentioned it, but it is rather difficult finding mounts. Everyone is after hurdle rides,” he said. “Anyway if he can find the mounts he has had schooling in hurdling and may very well try it out. It is a more sensible thing he could do in view of his weight.”