Retirement on backburner for Chillemi

By Glenn Davis

Champion North Queensland trainer Roy Chillemi has put thoughts of retirement on the backburner as he chases more success at Cairns on Tuesday.

The 75-year-old Chillemi boasts a resume second to none in the state’s north after claiming 17 trainer’s premierships in Townsville, five Queensland provincial titles and 22 trainer’s trophies in Cairns.

Based at Tolga on the Atherton Tablelands, Chillemi has scaled down his operations from 26 in work at one stage of his career to a dozen.

“I don’t want more than a dozen in work and I might even get down to eight or so,” Chillemi said.

“Retirement is a health thing and so far I’m okay, but you never know what’s around the corner.

“I’ll have to do something if I retired as I’m not the sort of person who can sit around and watch television all day.

“Right now, I’m happy doing what I’m doing.”

Chillemi is hoping for more glory at Cannon Park when he saddles Lidder Valley in the Benchmark 75 Handicap and Love ‘N’ Vision in the QTIS Three-Years-Old Maiden Handicap. 

Lidder Valley, who is chasing a hat-trick of wins, looks the pick of his pair and is coming off a last start win in a 1250 metre Class 6 Plate when ridden by Lacey Morrison on December 3.

The five-year-old started his career in Victoria before Chillemi's major owner Tom Hedley bought him online off Victorian co-trainers David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins.

“He wasn’t going okay when he started off with me and it took him several starts to find his form up this way,” Chillemi said.

“He’s on track now and his last win was very good when he won a Class 6 here in Cairns.

“It wasn’t the strongest of fields though and he’s stepping backing up again to 1400 metres.”

Lidder Valley – a Sean Cormack ride – won a Benchmark race over 1400 metres two starts back in Cairns in late November.

“I’ve booked Sean to ride him again as Lacey has pulled a tendon in her arm won’t be riding for about six weeks,” Chillemi said.

“Lacey does all my track work and gets the pick off my rides but she’s not riding so I’ve gone back to Sean.”