Vale Charlie Chircop

Well-known Melton owner/breeder Charlie Chircop passed away aged 78 on Monday, January 13 following a short illness.

Charlie loved his harness racing and was a familiar face at the trots for many years, enjoying great success with a number of horses that he raced.

These included Table Card (1987 VSS Trotting Final for Sam Chircop, 1988 VSS Trotting Final, 1988 Victoria Trotters Derby, 1989 VSS Trotting Final and a plethora of other feature races), The Accolade (1994 Redwood Classic for Jaime Madruga) and The System, who was a multiple winner when driven many times by Brian Gath.

Never frightened to spend big on standardbreds, Charlie was involved with numerous trainers and drivers including brothers Philip and Sam, Gavin Lang, Jaime Madruga, Brian Gath and Graeme Lang to name just a few. If he thought they could win, he would throw on big and reaped the rewards on many occasions.

Of Maltese heritage, Charlie was a member of a large family of six brothers (Frank, Billy, Philip, Sam, Reno and Joe (deceased)) and four sisters (Tess, Annie, Jayne and Phyllis (deceased)).

Charlie will be missed around the tracks and Harness Racing Victoria offers sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Funeral details are yet to be advised.

by Len Baker, for Harness Racing Victoria