Chapeltown

A winning Irish Point-to-Pointer, Chapeltown was brought over to Seven Barrows in 1998, but it was not until after his 25-1 win at the 2000 Hennessy Meeting at Newbury did NewROG decide to buy him.

Chapeltown boasts of 5 wins and 3 places from 11 starts, not to mention being the course record holder at Newbury over 2 miles 3 furlongs; he was also the highest rated novice hurdler during the 01-02 season. He is a truly remarkable horse. The 2002 and 2003 leading Conditional Jockey, Marcus Foley (now professional), holds Chapeltown close to his heart as he rode his first ever winner on Chapeltown at Newbury in 2000 and has ridden him for all of his victories to date. Let's hope there are more to come!

Despite now being 12, Chapeltown has a few miles on the clock and is looking better than ever. After a year on the sidelines, Chapeltown made his debut this season at his favourite track - Newbury on 6th March. In a hugely competitive Handicap Hurdle Race, Chapeltown took the top weight - a massive 2st 2lbs heavier than the bottom weight. On ground slightly quicker than we would have liked and over a shorter trip than ideal, Chapeltown ran a sound race, jumping well but was not placed on this outing despite beating the favourite.

Having come out of the race well and schooling in an impressive manner at home we decided that Chapeltown was ready for the bigger obstacles. So on 1st April Chapeltown made his chasing debut at Taunton and he certainly was no April Fool! The 2 miles 3 furlong Class D chase saw Chapeltown soar over the fences effortlessly and took command of the entire race from start to finish. Four from home Andrew Tinkler pressed the accelerator pedal and Chapeltown changed gear smoothly (from 2nd into 3rd!) cruising past the winning post 7 enormous lengths clear of the second horse. A thrillling victory!

Two weeks later (13th April) saw Chapeltown making the long trip down to Exeter to battle it out over 2 miles 3 furlongs again. In a field of only four, the only real competition was the Sunderlands Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle Race winner Polar Red. In a race almost completely dominated by Chapeltown out in front, he jumped brilliantly and only made one error two from home, which unfortunately lost him the race. In a race run impressively run 1.6 seconds faster than the standard time Chapeltown galloped past the Winning Post in second place but 25 lengths and a distance clear of the 3rd and 4th horse respectively.

On 29th April 2004 at Hereford, we watched as Chapeltown out jumped and out classed the rest of the field, taking his second victory of the season in impressive style. Sadly as Chapeltown pulled up after the race it was apparent that he was lame, we were to soon discover that it would be his swansong. Back at home the vet confirmed that dear-old Chapeltown, who has served NewROG so well, had in fact ruptured his near-fore tendon. After careful consideration and soul searching it was decided to have Chapeltown put down to save him from any further pain. He will be missed.

Chapeltown's Racing Post Entry