Geoff was a picture of concentration when this one was snapped at Rosehill in the mid 1990’s - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
It’s great to catch up with the ever ebullient Dr Geoff Chapman who slipped quietly into retirement four years ago, after a life of achievement and great diversity. Geoff begins by talking about his return to the medical profession after terminating his training career.
He looks back on his early years at Cobar and his family’s move to a property on the outskirts of Dubbo.
Geoff talks of five happy years at the Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School at Tamworth.
He remembers with affection his enrolment at Sydney University. His initial goal was an Agricultural Science Degree, but that changed when he became friendly with a group of medical students.
“Doc” remembers his National Service enlistment and a brief sojourn in the boxing ring.
His next sporting pursuit was Rugby Union. He made the University side and forged a friendship with a legendary coach. Geoff reflects on his three test matches as a Wallaby. He has some amusing stories about a NZ tour.
He recalls the completion of his studies and the beginning of a professional life with his coveted MBBS degree.
His medical career began in his hometown of Dubbo. He talks of some early experience in orthopaedic surgery.
Geoff looks back on his annual visits to the Melbourne Cup carnival, and the friendship he forged with Tommy Smith.
He remembers his start as a solo trainer and a two year old race at Dubbo which saw the debut of his first top class horse Lord Ben.
Geoff looks back on his disillusionment with the life of a country GP, and the move to Rosehill where he launched a serious training involvement.
“Doc” Chapman as he was universally known in Sydney racing, reflects on some of his early winners.
He’s never forgotten the day he first spotted Myocard at a yearling sale in NZ. He talks of the colt’s rise to stardom.
Geoff pays tribute to his 4 time Gr 1 winner, the handsome aristocratic Dr Grace.
There’s little doubt Groucho was the trainer’s all time favourite horse. The stallion didn’t win a Gr 1, but ran four seconds at the elite level. “Doc” loved him.
I’ve had several requests for a podcast with a man who excelled in his professional life and in his chosen sport. Here it is.
(Banner image - BMW presentation 1991. Geoff is at the back with Dr Grace. Shane Dye is the winning jockey while on extreme right is STC Chairman Tom Kennedy - courtesy Bradley Photographers.)
Geoff with prominent owner/breeder Sir Tristan Antico who died in 2004 - courtesy Steve Hart Photograhics.
Dr Grace was almost as versatile as his trainer. The stallion led throughout to beat Shuzhora and Castletown in the 1991 BMW - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
The strikingly handsome Dr Grace (Jim Cassidy) - a 4 time Gr. 1 winner for “Doc” Chapman - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
The brilliant Myocard (Mark de Montfort) careered away to beat Our Waverley Star in the 1987 Rawson Stakes - courtesy Bradley Photographers.