THE Kilmore Racing Club and Broadford Bowls Club are reeling from the sudden passing of long-time industry member Robert Chapman.
Known as ‘Chappy’, Chapman served his life in the horse racing industry, working 51 years, which started at 17 under the tutelage of the legendary Bart Cummings, as a foreman for Leon Corstens.
Chapman would go on to work with many legends of the craft, including Don and Trevor Dove, Bobby Knight, Tommy Archer and Hannah Powell.
Off the track, Chapman earned respect at both the Kilmore Football Club and the Broadford Football Club, the latter of which he served as team manager for 10 years.
Later in life, Chapman worked both as a Trackwork Supervisor at the Kilmore Racing Club, while spending weekends playing at the Broadford Bowls Club, earning the club champion title on multiple occasions.
The Broadford Bowls Club held a minutes silence for Chapman on Saturday afternoon at the club, prior to its division two match against Macedon.
In a statement on Racing Victoria’s website, Racing Victoria Chair Tim Eddy paid tribute to Chapman.
“RV extends its condolences on behalf of the entire Victorian racing industry to Robert Chapman’s family, friends and colleagues on the news of his sudden passing,” he said.
“I’d like to recognise Chappy’s incredible contribution to the racing industry over a period of more than five decades, he will be missed by many.”
Kilmore Racing Club Chief Executive Ben Murphy said on Racing Victoria’s website that the community was ‘devastated’.
“The Kilmore community is devastated by the loss of the beloved Robert “Chappy” Chapman,” he said.
“Chappy made so many connections across various racecourses and sporting clubs throughout his life, and our condolences go out to his family, friends and anyone who was lucky enough to know him.”