North Queensland club honours dedicated servant

By Jordan Gerrans

In a life dedicated to racing in North Queensland, it is the people that Doug Chappell has interacted with over the decades that stand out above the rest when he reflects on his time in the sport.

Chappell is widely known as 'Chippo’ around race tracks through the north where he has worked in numerous stewarding roles since he first touched the code as a teenager.

Racing stalwart Chappell was born-and-bred in Home Hill and still resides there today as a 78-year-old.

The much-loved local was awarded Life Membership of the Burdekin Race Club late last year after around 60 years of involvement.

Chappell was employed as an advisory steward for the best part of 40 years and ran the majority of race meetings at tracks such as Home Hill, Bowen and Collinsville during that time.

In more recent years as he has got on in age he has stepped back from that role but has continued to be hands-on with racing as the club steward for Burdekin Race Club.

He was awarded Life Membership of the club at their race meeting on December 9, 2023.

“I was real thrilled,” Chappell said.

“I got the shock of my life when I was told. I was thrilled over it. It has been a big journey.”

North Queensland senior steward Darryl Griffith has worked shoulder-to-shoulder with his mate Chippo for decades and applauded the Home Hill-based club for handing him the honour.

“Doug has worked in many positions on the club and has been a club steward for over 30 years assisting the QRIC stewards on race day,” Griffith said.

“He also does untold voluntary work for the Burdekin Council and helps organise and work at many local functions. He has lived a very interesting life.”

Growing up in the area as a carpenter, Chappell completed a job at the race track as an 18-year-old and stayed on to give them a hand before eventually joining the club as a member.

Not long after, the humble North Queenslander was drafted to the Vietnam War.

When he eventually returned to Australia, that was when his connection to the industry accelerated as an advisory steward.

“It was always a challenge, when you are doing it alone as a steward in those days, it is a lot,” he reflected.

Chappell also spent some time in more recent years working at tracks such as Hughenden and Corfield in North West Queensland.

“I love that you meet so many people,” Chappell said.

“I really enjoyed it.

“And, then in my later years, I did the Western meetings and I met a lot of people out there and everywhere you go, you always see them again. I really liked that.”

With Chappell’s beloved Home Hill track set to host a TAB meeting this Wednesday, he still remains a key cog in the local industry.

“He helps out the stewards on race day from a club perspective,” Burdekin Race Club President Ricky Gudge said.

“He will go and get the odds from the bookmakers, get the horses in line for a pre-parade to go out in order – similar things like that.”

The popular Chappell has long been instrumental in local community events such as the Home Hill Harvest Festival, the ambulance service in the area as well as the rodeo.

He was also a top rugby league player in his younger days.

“He loves being a part of it all,” Gudge – who is also a local trainer - said.

“He is involved in everything and tries to help out.”

Thoroughbred racing clubs throughout the Sunshine State are built on the efforts of stalwarts and volunteers such as Chappell.

“His experience is something that has always been helpful in different areas,” Gudge said.

“His knowledge out in the saddling enclosure of what needs to be done, it takes the weight off some of us who would normally be helping.

“He is always available when we have working bees at the club and helps out the bookmakers for the draws where they stand. He helps out wherever he can.”

With around 60 years of experience and knowledge of racing in the area, Chappell thinks the sport in North Queensland – and specifically at Home Hill – is in as positive a place as it has ever been.

The club has hosted a glut of TAB meetings over the last year and will showcase another nationally broadcast race day this Wednesday with eight events set for decision.

Chappell will be there on hand, as he has been for much of his life. 

“Ricky and his family, with his wife Leanne, who is secretary and treasurer of the club, have done a wonderful job with our club,” Chappell said.

“They have brought this club up to being one of the best clubs in the area.

“We have a TAB meeting on Wednesday and they have done a wonderful job.”

As well as Chappell, fellow stalwart Robyn Hewston was also given Life Membership for services to the club late last year.