The next Chapple chapter

About 20 years ago prominent harness racing horseman Dean Chapple made one of the biggest decisions of his life.

Chapple, who was born and raised in Maitland, packed up his training operation and made the move to the small village of Moonbi, which is a stone’s throw away from Tamworth.

And that move proved to be a success for Chapple, winning multiple premierships in the northern area as both a trainer and driver.

It was also an ideal environment for he and his wife Julie to raise their young family, as the Tamworth district has much to offer.

But Chapple admits that his time as a reinsman is drawing to a close as he plans to step back and allow his children to take the reins.

Daughter Elly has already established herself as a capable young driver while son Jack is only weeks away from starting his career in the sulky.

“Both Elly and Jack are so keen to follow in my footsteps and etch a career in harness racing,” said Chapple.

“Elly has shown that she has natural driving ability and is starting to get good results in the gig.

“She has had winners in consecutive weeks at Tamworth and Armidale and hopefully her run of success will continue this afternoon.

“Jack has completed his mandatory trial drives and is now champing at the bit to have his first drive.

“He handles the horses well and like they do for Elly, they seem to run for him.

“He is also a very good form student which helps when you are planning your driving tactics.

“I would be quite happy to just train our team and let the kids do the driving.”

Chapple will travel to Armidale this afternoon for the TAB Carnival Of Cups meeting with nine runners and admits he faces some stiff opposition in most races.

But he is quietly confident his team can meet with some success.

“On paper it looks to be a hard meeting,” he said.

“Dont Tell Dorothy in the opening event is my strongest chance of winning.

“He has drawn well in gate one with Elly aboard and has been working towards another win.

“I love racing at tracks like Armidale, it is where drivers of my vintage cut our teeth and it is great to see the club getting such good support.”

To view the fields for Armidale on Sunday click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW