Former trainer David Chapman, aged 77, passed away in hospital on Monday night after suffering a blackout.
Former trainer David Chapman has died, aged 77.
Former trainer David Chapman, aged 77, passed away on Monday night after suffering a blackout.
He was admitted to York District Hospital, but failed to regain consciousness.
Based at Stillington, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, Chapman's career spanned over 40 years before he retired in 2008.
His granddaughter, Ruth Carr, continued the family legacy by taking over Chapman's licence.
Carr said: "He was out doing his evening feed yesterday evening, came back in, took his boots off, and had some sort of blackout.
"He never regained consciousness and unfortunately passed away.
"You have to look at the benefits - he wouldn't want to have been physically disadvantaged or anything like that.
"It's heartbreaking, but he was a great man and a great influence on my life and my career."
Sprinting Success
Chapman's greatest strength as a trainer was with sprinters, of which Soba, Chaplins Club, Glencroft and Quito were his finest talents.
The exceptionally quick Soba won 13 races, including the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood in 1982.
Chaplins Club twice won nine handicaps in a season - striking seven times in 19 days in 1988 - and bowed out in 1992 by winning his 160th and final start.
Glencroft also won nine handicaps in a season, earning over £100,000 in prize-money.
Chapman's most renowned horse in his final years as a trainer was Quito, who claimed 20 wins from 121 starts, including seven Listed races and an Ayr Gold Cup.
Carr added: "He was still my assistant trainer, right up to Monday.
"We have had three winners from our last three runners, including at Beverley yesterday.
"It was great that he could go out on a high."
Tributes
Former jockey Tom O'Ryan rode his first winner for the Chapman yard, Vivacious Boy at Beverley in 1972.
O'Ryan said: "I owe him an awful lot as he was instrumental throughout my career.
"I also lost my 7lb claim on one of David's horses, Rolus, which was also at Beverley.
"It was a privilege to know him.
"He was a great friend, a fine trainer, and a tremendous man."
Thirsk trainer Dandy Nicholls was stable jockey for Chapman in the 1980s, and partnered Soba to victory in the 1982 Stewards' Cup.
Nicholls said: "I was only speaking to him on Monday - I can't believe it.
"Without David Chapman I wouldn't be training racehorses, it's as simple as that.
"I worked for him for 30 years and he was a great man and a great friend.
"They are a very close family and you can only wish them well."
Kevin Darley was the man who regularly partnered Chaplins Club in his amazing run of success.
He said: "Obviously I was very shocked to hear the news and my thoughts go out to his family, I know they are all very close.
"I was lucky enough to ride Chaplins Club for him. David was good to me as that partnership basically initiated my relationship with the man I went on to work for (owner Peter Savill).
"No-one could train a sprinter like David. He was so good at getting inside a horse's head and he turned a lot of sour horses back into winners."
