Harry Crapper, on of Sheffield’s best trainers, will hang up his leads and collars after tonight’s meeting writes John Forbes.
A kennelboy from leaving school, Harry won a Scottish Derby and had two runners-up in the English Derby on a CV . Now 71 and with both him and his wife facing operations and recovery periods, he has decided that the time is right to call it a day.
Harry had given up his graded runners and been operating with a handful of open racers as he eased towards a planned retirement at the end of the year. But his hand has been forced by ill-health and after Dinzeo and Worsboro Phantom have completed their efforts in the final of BresMed Stayers’ Final it will be the end of an era.
Crapper, ever a gentleman and an extremely friendly man, will be sorely missed on the circuit. Emotions will be running high if he can land his last big race, particularly if Dinzeo lands the trophy as the trainer feels the dog has not received the credit he deserves.
