John Haine

1942 - 1998

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.

Champion Hurdle winner: Salmon Spray (1966)

Other big winners:

1963: Gloucestershire Hurdle – Buona Notte

1964: Totalisator Novices’ Chase – Buona Notte

1964: Scottish Grand National – Popham Down

1965: Worcester Royal Porcelain Chase – Meon Valley

1965: National Hunt Handicap Chase – Rondetto

1965: Liverpool Handicap Hurdle – Salmon Spray

1966: Worcester Royal Porcelain Chase – Meon Valley

1967: Coventry Handicap Chase – Maigret

1967: Imperial Cup – Sir Thopas

1967: Gloucestershire Hurdle – Chorus

1968: Stone’s Ginger Wine Chase – Bowgeeno

1970: Topham Trophy – Charter Flight

1971: Gloucestershire Hurdle – Barnard

1971: National Hunt Handicap Chase – Lord Jim

1972: Welsh Grand National – Charlie H

1972: Prix Gerald de Rochefort – Franklin

1973: Mildmay of Flete Chase – Vulgan Town

1973: Triumph Hurdle – Moonlight Bay

Article by Chas Hammond