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Interview with Driver/Trainer Doug Chappell

Nov 09,2018 Storm Dafoe

Interview with Driver/Trainer Doug Chappell

Doug Chappell is a third generation Standardbred driver and trainer who won his first Stakes Race on Saturday, November 3 with two year old filly Jedi Tricks at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino. In 2017, Chappell attended the Yearling Sale where he purchased Jedi Tricks for $1,000. Chappell’s Father, John Chappell, a prominent figure in racing in western Canada, had driven Jedi Tricks mother, Charlotte’s Trick, and together they made the decision for Doug Chappell to purchase Jedi Tricks without ever actually seeing her in person.

Chappell mentioned that when he purchased Jedi Tricks, she was on the smaller side and talked about some of his processes that he employed to get her ready for the racetrack. “The biggest thing was just trying to feed her, get some weight on her, and get her healthy. I owe a lot of credit to Dave and Donna Wyse, they took her to the farm for the first little bit, fattened her up a little bit so that I could go from there; It’s just kind of been following the stream.” 

Jedi Tricks has a great story and it is an example that while the industry of horse racing is notoriously expensive, one can get lucky and it is horses like Jedi Tricks that keeps the little people in the racing game. Chappell also credits much of his success to his wife Kayla who is also a standardbred driver and trainer who works for Kelly Heordt. “In addition to who she works for she is also a very talented horsewoman; she drives, she trains, and she helps me in that if I don’t notice things, Kayla generally will. I owe a lot of credit to her too!”

On November 17, the Alberta Sire Stakes Super Finals will be held at Century Downs Racetrack. Jedi Tricks will be racing for $75,000 on that Saturday afternoon. Jedi Tricks is brave right now and on top of her game, with a few of the other fillies starting to tire it will be an exciting afternoon to watch her perform and perhaps, place a few bets on Jedi Tricks!

For more details on Doug Chappell and Jedi Tricks, head over to Century Downs’ YouTube channel or Facebook page @centurydowns for the full video on this story. Also check out our upcoming events! Win up to 1,000,000 Winners’ Zone points with our Winners’ Zone Bonanza. Hot seat draws every Wednesday in November.

 

COMING UP AT CENTURY DOWNS

Beat the chill with a brand new Ford Focus! Join us on Thursday, November 29 to win. Additional draw for $1,000 at 6 p.m. will roll over into the final cash draw for $1,000 at 7 p.m. Must be present to win. For the final draw at 8 p.m., if there is no winner, another winner will be drawn until one is found. For another chance to win, stick around for out Big Ticket giveaway at 9 p.m., where we will be giving away a pair of tickets to see the Calgary Flames take on the Philadelphia Flyers on December 12, 2018.

Book your Christmas party at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino and enjoy one of our event spaces overlooking the racetrack. Email [email protected] for more information!