John Bettan Juson rode over jumps for six seasons in the 1970s and had just two wins.
His first ride was on Hardygang, last of 16 finishers in the Chase Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) at Market Rasen on December 1, 1972. It was not until August 16, 1975 that he finally got his head in front. Back at Market Rasen he guided Verona Brandy to a two-length success in the Grimsby Juvenile Maiden Hurdle (Division 2), holding off the strong challenge of ‘Jinx’ James on What A Performance. Trained by Jim Leigh, with whose stable John was associated, the three-year-old was placed in his next two starts before ‘Jinx’ took over in the saddle without success.
John’s only other victory was at Wetherby on October 13, 1976, when Canonbie Key got the better of a prolonged duel with Dennis Atkins on Even Swell to take the Gordon Foster Handicap Chase by two lengths. It was John’s second ride on the nine-year-old and they were not placed in five subsequent starts.
He had his final ride on Happy Call, unplaced in the May Queen Handicap Hurdle at Southwell on May 1, 1978.
Verona Brandy, John's first of just two winners, Market Rasen, August 16, 1975
John's final winner: Canonbie Key, Wetherby, October 13, 1976