1942-1998
photo courtesy Chris Pitt
Born on 30 December 1942, in Chipping Sodbury, Johnny Haine - the son of a farmer - won more than 100 prizes in Gymkhanas before joining Bob Turnell in 1958. His first winner was Misconception at Bath in September, 1958.He rode 13 winners on the Flat before switching to jumping.
His first NH winner, Domain, came at Cheltenham.
Acclaimed for his fine riding style which he based upon his boyhood hero, Scobie Breasley.
Having stopped riding in 1977, he began training, finally retiring just three years later.
Sadly, he had severe heart damage and a drink problem: he died after a drink binge on October 8, 1998.
He named his house after Buona Notte, who was killed in the 1965 Great Yorkshire Chase.
His biggest wins were:
Champion Hurdle on Salmon Spray (1966)
Scottish Grand National on Popham Down (1964)
Welsh Grand National on Charlie H (1972)
Imperial Cup on Sir Thopas (1967)
Topham Trophy on Charter Flight (1970)Triumph Hurdle on Moonlight Bay (1973)Stone's Ginger Wine Chase on Bowgeeno (1968)Totalisator Champion Novices' Chase on Buona Notte (1964)National Hunt Handicap Chase on Rondetto (1965) and Lord Jim (1971)Mildmay of Flete Chase on Vulgan Town (1973)Gloucestershire Hurdle on Buona Notte (1963), Chorus (1967) and Baranard (1971)Prix Gerald de Rochefort on Franklin (1972)
Article by Chas Hammond