john chapman
Year of Induction:
1980
Year of Birth:
1928
Immortal:
Yes
DriverTrainer:
Yes
Driver:
Yes
Election Into Living Hall of Fame:
1979
Year of Death:
1980
Biography:
A native of Toronto, Canada, John Chapman was one of the sport's most successful trainers and drivers. In 33 years he won 3,914 races and earned $21.3 million in purses which, at the time of his untimely death in 1980, ranked him sixth all-time in both dashes won and money earned. His greatest year was 1977 with Governor Skipper, with whom he had won the Little Brown Jug, the Adios, the Prix d'Ete and the Messenger Stakes. Chapman also piloted such notable horses as Delmonica Hanover, Savoir and Tarport Hap. He was particularly in demand as a catch driver. John Chapman was elected into the Living Hall of Fame in 1979.
Published in the Harness Racing Museum's 1994 book, The Immortals