Jane Chapple-Hyam
Jane Chapple-Hyam’s attitude to training horses is simple: it’s about getting results for the owners. With a 46% first four prize money strike rate, Jane’s experience, dedication and expertise have ensured early success for her Newmarket training yard in her first year.
But Jane’s story is a unique one, for although she has been around horses all her life, it was not until late 2005 that she obtained a training licence in her own right after graduating from the British Racing School.
Born in Australia, Jane’s early memories of horse racing include listening to the Melbourne Cup with her school teachers during class on the first Tuesday in November. Her first taste of racing success came at her father’s side as a little girl when the celebrated mare Leilani, trained by Bart Cummings and owned by Jane’s father, the Hon Andrew Peacock AC, took out the Caulfield Cup and secured second place in the Melbourne Cup more than 30 years ago.
At the age of only 16, Jane worked under the legendary Colin Hayes at the famous Lindsay Park Training Centre in South Australia. It was there that Jane realised she wanted to dedicate her life to horses.
Family circumstances saw her move to England where she built up her experience and skills working for Robert Sangster at Manton under the regime of Michael Dickinson and then Barry Hills. As Sangster’s step-daughter, Jane had unparalleled access to the knowledge and instruction of the best in the industry, learning her craft from the master trainers.
It was at Manton that Jane met her former husband, trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam. Including their time together at Manton, Jane spent sixteen years working as Peter’s assistant in England and Hong Kong. Following their separation in 2005, Jane embarked on the most ambitious undertaking of her life and her Newmarket yard was born.
Jane is still captured by the fierce spirit of the racehorse and every day she relies on all the experience and skill she has built up over 24 years to understand the personalities, temperaments and distinct characters of each of her horses. They all receive the individual care and attention only a small but passionate team can provide.
Jane says her greatest moment as a trainer was watching her first winner, Chief Commander, at Wolverhampton in January 2006. Oh Danny Boy has also been a winner for Jane, while her most celebrated victory remains the world famous Ebor Handicap in August 2006. Jane made Ebor history training Mudawin, the longest priced entry ever to take out the prestigious race at what she describes as ‘crazy’ odds of 100-1.
In common with many smaller yards the vicissitudes brought on by the financial crash of 2008 and its aftermath tested the patience of all at the Dalham based team, but Jane’s handling of high class performer Mull Of Killough bears testament to her patience skill and tenacity.
In all their dealings with Jane Chapple-Hyam Racing, owners can expect professional service, open lines of communication and dedication to success.