Sport
5 September, 2025
Local community remembers Les Chapman for selfless and uplifting contributions
“He just had this ability to make everyone feel like the most important person there.”
The local community is remembering one of its most valuable, caring and lovable members following the sudden passing of Les Chapman last Friday.
Les is most known for his outstanding contributions to the Maryborough Harness Racing Club (MHRC), arguably the face of Harness Racing locally ever since taking over as secretary/manager from Merv Gay in 2000.
During his 22-year tenure in the role, Les was integral to the growth and security of not only the club but its premier event, the Redwood Carnival, something he truly cherished.
Les’ efforts earned him Victorian Harness Racing’s highest individual honour, winning the prestigious Gordon Rothacker Medal in 2009, coincidentally marking his 50th year involved with the sport.
Someone who knows Les’ valued contributions quite well is MHRC life member Mick Clover, who said he developed an inseparable bond with Les.
“He was the club, he lived for Harness Racing and the Maryborough Harness Racing Club,” he said.
“There wasn’t a thing he wouldn’t get into. He was always happy to put his hand up.
“I think the main thing with him was nothing was too much trouble, it didn’t matter who it was, if they came up and had a question, he would try and answer it or help.”
After retiring on the same day as Mick in late August 2019, Les quickly returned to the club before officially stepping away from the position at the end of 2022.
Les remained heavily involved with the club, predominantly as trial coordinator, valued mentor and supporter.
“In 2023, when I came on, he had been here for over 20 years, and as Mick said, he just lived and breathed the club,” current MHRC general manager Jackson Barby said.
“Because he was just an integral part of it, he knew everything. We then spent the next six months with him coming in a few days a week, and he sort of helped teach me the ropes.
“I really appreciated his role as a mentor to me.
“He just sort of lived for the Redwood and he became someone who was totally associated with the Redwood Carnival.
“I’ve never seen someone so passionate and excited about something — he’s a big reason why the Redwood became what it was.”
According to Jackson, Les will be most remembered for his infectious personality, enthusiasm and kindness that resonated with everyone he met.
“Every day he was in the office was a pleasure — it didn’t matter if you had a good day or a terrible day, he had a way of turning it into a great day. He would turn bad situations into funny situations,” he said.
“One of my favourite memories is when I was only two or three weeks into the job and we got an invite to the Gordon Rothacker Medal.
“Les was introducing me to everyone, he was teaching me about the industry and he was such a respected man in the room.
“I think the night ended at around 11 pm, we walked back to our hotel rooms and we were going to go to bed and he invited us for a chat.
“I think I got to bed at 4 am that morning because we spent the night sharing laughs — it was like we had been mates for life.”
MHRC president Colin Phillis echoed Jackson’s comments, expressing gratitude for everything Les has done in the community.
“You might be doing something on the track and he would come in and say ‘great job’ no matter how well you were doing,” he said.
“From us on the committee, Jackson and all members of the club, I would like to thank Les for his incredible service over 25 years.”
Outside of the MHRC, Les was also a long-time member as voluntary secretary/treasurer of the Carisbrook Racecourse Trust and a member of the Victorian Square Trotters Association.
“Les had a very personable skillset where he would make you feel special and at ease,” Carisbrook Racecourse Trust president Jeffrey Wright said.
“I speak for everyone at the Carisbrook Racecourse Trust in saying we really appreciate everything he has done for us and how well he’s led the team.”
Locally, Les was also a supporter and volunteer of Energy Breakthrough (EB). After joining the EB team in 2019, Les helped support sponsors and partners and assisted with logistics.
“Initially, his involvement was through the MHRC, because the club provides accommodation for people who have got caravans and vehicles we couldn’t accommodate on site,” Central Goldfields Shire EB event director Alisha Chadwick said.
“He was always someone who had a positive attitude and really helped to bring people on board and get people enthusiastic.
“He was just one of those people who could build those relationships with people so easily.
“He was just willing to get in and help and do what he could to deliver the event. There were no questions asked, he would always put his hand up and do whatever he could.
“On behalf of everyone involved in EB, we would like to thank Les for all his contributions to the event —he will be missed.”
Speaking on Les’ family’s behalf, Jackson wanted to show their appreciation for the outpour of support.
“Fran, James, Holly and the rest of Les’ family want to sincerely thank everybody for their over-whelming support, tributes, thoughts and messages,” he said.
“It has really warmed them to read that, and Fran’s words were to encourage people to continue to tell stories about Les and share memories.”