John Sanford (January 18, 1851 – September 26, 1939) was an American businessman, a prominent owner/breeder of thoroughbred racehorses, and a member of the United States House of Representatives from New York's 20th congressional district.

[2] On the death of his father Stephen in 1913, John Sanford inherited Hurricana Stock Farm.

He raced a number of top horses and in 1916 won the Kentucky Derby with his colt, George Smith.

In 1923 he became the first American to win the most prestigious steeplechase race in the world when his horse Sergeant Murphy won the English Grand National.

[5] This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress