John Boswell, owner of Group 2-winning sprinter Acclamation, passes away at 87, remembered as loyal & positive.

John Boswell, who was 87, spent 29 years managing Combe House Hotel in Gittisham, Devon alongside his wife Therese. He was also involved in ownership with local trainer Gerald Cottrell and later with Cottrell’s son-in-law, Stuart Kittow.

Boswell was part of the ownership groups that raced 1988 Portland winner Roman Prose and Conspicuous. His own dark blue silks with white spots and a white cap were worn by sprinters Young Inca and Acclamation.

Young Inca, bought by Boswell at a horses-in-training sale as a three-year-old, won several times despite a tendency to start slowly, with six victories at Ascot. Boswell’s biggest success as an owner came at Ascot when Acclamation won the 2003 Group 2 Diadem Stakes under Frankie Dettori.

Acclamation retired to stud at the end of the 2003 season and has since become a leading stallion, producing Group 1 winners such as Marsha and Expert Eye alongside successful sire sons including Dark Angel and Mehmas. Stuart Kittow, reflecting on Boswell’s life, emphasized his long career in racing and described him as a very loyal and positive man.

Kittow also mentioned that Boswell was a member in a syndicate with him until the end. Boswell is survived by his wife and three sons.

He was predeceased by a fourth son.