John Chapman was a 16-year-old Riverstone High School student when he trained his first winner and 28 years later the 44-year-old third generation greyhound trainer is still enjoying success.
Miss Blockbuster, the star of his kennels at Lidsdale, 13km from Lithgow, scored her sixth successive win at Dubbo last Thursday for Chapman.
He also has high hopes for several younger members of his 12-strong team, especially an unraced pup by Irish sire Mildean Panther.
Greyhound racing has always been in Chapman's blood and he still loves it now.
“Before and After school as a kid I would help my father Pat with his greyhounds," Chapman said. "When a fellow who lived around the corner wanted to get rid of a bitch called Cranky Carrie for $100 I bought her."
“She didn’t win in the city but she gave me my first wins as a trainer by winning up the straight at Appin and taking out a fifth grade final at Goulburn.’’
The Chapman family became involved in greyhounds through John’s grandfather having a handicapped son who was unable to play sport.
“To enable his son to enjoy a hobby my grandfather got him a greyhound and for the family that’s where it all began,’’ Chapman said.
“My first city winner was Alvenia, which was a birthday present from my father in the 1980s.
“She was named After my grandfather’s sister and won her maiden race at Bulli when she was just over 16 months of age.
“After winning at Wentworth Park and Richmond, Alvenia dropped a hind leg muscle at just 22 months of age so I bred a litter of pups from her.
“She raced again After whelping the pups and won a Battlers Trophy Final at Dapto 16 months After breaking down.
“My biggest disappointment in the sport came when Alvenia broke both forelegs at Gosford After she had been sent out a $1.30 favourite.
“She was a hotpot because she had just beaten a very good dog, Railway Rocket, at Wentworth Park.
“Fortunately, despite the terrible injuries, two veterinary surgeons were able to save Alvenia’s life.
"I haven’t won any group races but getting Blitiz To Excel into the Golden Easter Egg semi-finals was a huge buzz.
“I had bought him as a performed dog for $4,500 and he has only just been retired After winning six races at Wentworth Park and $45,000 prizemoney.
“John Brookes, a friend of mine, was not in the best of health and his son got me to train Blitiz To Excel on his father’s behalf.
“John also suffered a heart attack in April this year but he has been boosted by the form of Miss Blockbuster, who is raced by a syndicate headed by his son Mark Brookes.
“Zipping Logan, Arena Flyer, Sky Twinkle, Wanna Run, a good middle distance bitch Graffiti Tiger and Running Casino, who won 16 races including six from nine at Bathurst, are other good greyhounds I have trained.
“My father Pat, who trained Able Lane and a former PENRITH 600 metre record holder Shamrock Lane, taught me the basics.
"As a young trainer I learned a lot from the late Les Brien and from Barry Lazzarini, a champion trainer from the 1950s who is still training today.
“I worked at a meatworks, a paint factory and as a bricklayer Before going full time into greyhounds 18 months ago.
“I haven’t regretted that for a moment, mainly because of the enjoyment from sharing any success with good owners.
“When you have owners who appreciate how much hard work goes into training greyhounds their excitement gives me a real thrill.
“I have made many long-lasting friendships through training for different owners.’’
Chapman rates Worth Doing, the 1989 NSW Greyhound of the Year, as the best greyhound he has seen, just ahead of 1984 Vic Peters Classic winner Brother Fox.
National Lass, NSW Greyhound of the Year for 1984 and 1985, is his all-time favourite stayer.
