Impressive strike rate for Campin
The New Zealand thoroughbred industry lost one of its most successful and versatile horsemen with the passing yesterday morning of Cambridge identity Jim Campin. He was 76.
He bred and sold an outstanding number of domestic and international Group One performers and also maintained that impressive strike rate from a small team as an ownertrainer.
The highly- respected Campin established Chequers Stud with then wife Ngaire in 1970 and three years later a foal of resident sire Bismark II arrived who was to have a major im-
He did things a bit differently at times, but more often than not they came off. Mark Fraser- Campin
pact both on the track and in the breeding barn.
Vice Regal, a son of the Great Northern Oaks winner Kind Regards, won 21 races under Campin’s guidance, including the New Zealand 2000 Guineas and the Ellerslie Sires’ Produce Stakes at Group One level.
His talents were also showcased in Australia where he was a triple Group Two winner and ran third in the Cox Plate.
Retired to Chequers, Vice Regal produced the Group One winners Vite Cheval, Sapio, Prolific, Reganza, Helene Star, Eva Grace and All Glory and also made his mark as a broodmare sire.
Stallions to follow at Chequers included Prince Echo, Western Symphony, Bakharoff, Green Perfume, Ishiguru and Deputy Governor.
Campin’s training talents were further emphasised by his top performers Domino ( NZ Oaks, AJC Oaks), Hero ( NZ 2000 Guineas, Otaki- Maori WFA), Phillipa Rush ( NZ 1000 Guineas), Emerald ( NZ 1000 Guineas) and Jennifer Rush ( a dual Group Three winner).
‘‘ Dad never trained an outside horse in his life and only ever had a handful in work,’’ son Mark FraserCampin said. ‘‘ He did things a bit differently at times, but more often than not they came off.’’
The breeding honours board at Chequers features 36 Group One winners, including Roysyn ( NZ Derby), Clear Rose ( NZ 1000 Guineas), Zirna ( NZ Breeders’ Stakes, Singapore Gold Cup, International Cup) and HadesHelene Vitality ( NZ Derby).
In 2010, Campin’s sons Mark and Chris took over the reins at Chequers, current home to stallion Battle Paint, which they operate in combination with agistment farm Domino Park. They have followed in their father’s tradition and both also hold trainer’s licences.
‘‘ Dad got to see Kisses win the stakes race at Riccarton the other week, which was really nice,’’ FraserCampin said. ‘‘ He had been ill for some time and went peacefully.’’
Campin is also survived by daughters Wendy, Anna and Kate and seven grandchildren.