Racing Lures Trainer Back
13 February, 2019
Thoroughbred
Once racing gets in your blood it is very hard to leave.
Hobby trainer Bob Chipchase knows this saying well as he prepares to make his comeback to racing.
Chipcase gave racing away in 2005, but in his heart he always knew he would return.
After nearly 15 years out of the game, Chipchase will saddle up Ten Carat at Ascot on Wednesday.
“It’s a long time between drinks,” admitted Chipchase to the Races WA.
“Despite being away I have always maintain an interest in racing.
“I was only pottering around with a few horses, but had to give it away.
“Children, family and other issues and responsibilities took me way.
“But I always planned on getting back at some stage when the time was right.
“I’m back having another go before I get too old.”
Chipchase, based in Gingin and a schoolteacher by profession, took out his trainer’s licence in the early 1980s when based near Geraldton.
While he doesn’t boast a training record that will ever match the likes of Chris Waller or Adam Durrant, he proudly recalls his first victory.
It wasn’t a feature race on the hallowed turf of an Ascot or Flemington, but at Mingenew with a mare called Pictures Of Lilly.
“The race meeting almost never went ahead because there was a jockey strike,” Chipchase said.
“It was a real buzz and I was ecstatic.
“It was a long drive home and we celebrated well.
“She also won at Geraldton later.
“She was above average, but had injuries.”
Chipchase is hoping, rather than expecting a big result from Ten Carat in the Sign On Group Handicap (1000m), but funnier things have happened.
The former Sydney galloper has one win from 16 starts and warmed up for his Perth debut with a solid trial, fading late over the late stages to finish fourth.
“It would be lovely to win and I expect him to be competitive,” Chipchase said.
“I’m realistic, but I would be disappointed if he didn’t run well.”
Ten Carat has drawn barrier four for Lucas Camilleri and is a $14 chance with Tabtouch.
Chipchase said he is hoping to make his second entry back into racing more permanent.
“I’m hoping to build from here with a couple of more,” Chipchase said.
“It’s a demanding role, but once teaching finishes I can look at more opportunities.”
Julio Santarelli