It was a very unconventional route to a training licence for Jon, who, having landed a first class honours degree in Biochemistry at University College London, moved on to St John's College Cambridge to complete his PhD. The proximity of flat racing's Head Quarters at Newmarket was too much of a lure for a young man who had always been interested in the Sport of Kings and once his academic qualifications were in the bag, he set out on the uncertain road towards becoming a racehorse trainer. With high enthusiasm, an encyclopedic knowledge of the formbook, his own handicapping system but limited practical experience, he learned his trade with Bruce Hobbs, Sir Mark Prescott, Michael 'Mouse' Morris and Luca Cumani before going solo.

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Jon has been married for an awfully long time to Sue and they have two children who are both involved in the industry. Son, Peter is a reporter and journalist for top trade paper the 'Racing Post'. Not content with this he has fashioned several successful racing syndicates under his GB Horseracing Services banner. His wife Tina has a depth of experience in racing too including time with Racing Post TV and Racing UK before taking up a post with Racing Welfare. They have a young daughter, Rose. Jon and Sue's daughter, Sammie is actively involved with horses and having had 2 years in Lexington, Kentucky she has spent the last 5 years in Sydney. During this time working for trainer Matthew Smith at Warwick Farm she has also qualified as an animal physiotherapist.