John Reiff

Biography

At age 13, standing barely four feet tall, and weighing but 58 pounds, Johnny Reiff rode his first winner in Chicago in 1898. Known as the “Midget Wonder,” Reiff was brought to the races by his older brother, Lester. After the younger Reiff rode 33 winners in California, the brothers went to England in June of 1899.

The following year, Lester Reiff was the leading rider in England with 143 winners and Johnny was third in the standings with 124 wins. Lester Reiff won the 1901 Epsom Derby with Volodyovski, but he was ruled off the turf that season. Johnny, in protest, thereafter rode mainly in France. He did, however, return to win the Epsom Derby in 1907 with Orby and 1912 with Tagalie, as well as the 1913 Two Thousand Guineas with Louvois.

In France, Reiff was the leading rider in 1902 when he won the French Derby with Retz. He ranked in the top 10 in France for 10 consecutive years.

In 1913, Reiff won the French Oaks with Moia and was second in the jockey standings to fellow Hall of Famer Frank O’Neill for the third time. He returned to America briefly in 1903 to win 28 races in Chicago while in a contract dispute with his French patrons. He also won the Kentucky Oaks that year with Lemco. 

Achievements

Won the Epsom Derby — 1907, 1912
Won the French Derby — 1902
Won the Kentucky Oaks — 1903