John Boon

1860 - 1901

Article by Chas Hammond

John H. Boon was born in London in 1860 and achieved the rare distinction of winning France’s most important Flat race and its most important steeplechase.

He was apprenticed to Charles Blanton at Newmarket before moving to France in 1884. There he won the Grand International Steeple Chase de Paris in 1891 on Saida and the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) in 1896 on Champaubert.

He died on December 20, 1901 following a fall at Auteuil. He was buried at Newmarket seven days later.