A chartered surveyor by trade, Scottish amateur rider Johnny Bradburne was a popular and successful horseman who rode over 100 winners under National Hunt rules and in point-to-points.
His best horse was General Chandos, on whom he won eight chases, all of them in Scotland, and finished in the frame on another 11 occasions. They did particularly well at Ayr, where their victories included the Vulmidas Handicap Chase and the McAlpine Challenge Cup. John also rode General Chandos in the 1991 Grand National, pulling up at the 25th fence when in arrears.
He rode several times over the Grand National fences: the first two runnings of the Becher Chase, four renewals of the Topham Trophy and once in the Foxhunters. He also rode Interim Lib in the void Grand National of 1983, getting as far as the Canal Turn second time where they parted company.
He rode 200-1 shot Off The Bru to finish third in the 1992 Scottish National.
He retired from riding in 1995, having reached the age of 49, but played a key role in training with his wife Sue, who took out her licence in 1988, based at Cupar, in Fife. Sue trained Blue Charm to finish second to Bobbyjo in the 1999 Grand National, ridden by Lorcan Wyer.
Johnny’s passion for racing was passed down a generation with his two children both having successful careers in the sport. His daughter Lorna Fowler, a former amateur rider and At The Races broadcaster, is now a trainer in Ireland, while Mark Bradburne enjoyed a successful career as a jockey. He rode two Cheltenham Festival winners and finished third on Martin Pipe’s Lord Atterbury in the 2004 Grand National. When he retired, he became an electrician but remains actively involved in racing as a jockey coach.
Johnny Bradburne died on May 1, 2020, aged 74. He was predeceased by Sue, who died in 2019 at the age of 70.
Paying tribute, Lorna Fowler said. “My father was the epitome of Corinthian spirit. He enjoyed his best riding days in his 40s, which is extraordinary, and he and my mother were an amazing team – with her training and him riding.”
She also recalled the day when three of the Bradburne family competed against each other in a bumper at Ayr, all on horses trained by Sue Bradburne. There were only six in the race and they finished in the last three, but Johnny came home in front of his children.
