Welcome to the ChappyShowcase BlogSpot

Please enjoy an eclectic diversity of content and subjects created by Matt Chapman. This blog page gives more in depth detail and cool anecdotes pertaining to each video, film, or perhaps something else completely. On top of that, you will find info about the online video making paradigm, production, post-production and more. ChappyShowcase has content channels all over the web. All links for each channel are located for your convenience at a click of the button. Be sure to check the blog regularly to be updated on what is happening with Growing Up Guide Pup, ChappyShowcase, and GurillaTV. Or, better yet, subscribe to one of the RSS feeds so every new post is automatically emailed to you. Enjoy...and remember, keep that camera rollin!

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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

HORSE RACING-THE DARK SIDE OF THE SPORT

Horse Racing, better known as the sport of kings, is deeply rooted in human history. The glamour of the Breeders Cup, the mistique of Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral, and the excitement of the Triple Crown has always overshadowed the dark side of this dangerous sport. After the recent tragedy of Eight Belles collapsing at the Kentucky Derby this year, a new awareness has began to hit the mainstream in peoples minds. The inherent dangers to horse and jockey are all to common, and a reality which never wanders very far from the mind and soul of the horse racing industry.

I grew up watching my father have alot of success as a horse jockey. At the same time I also grew up watching him fight injury after injury. What many people don't know is how tough these iron men and women are. As a filmmaker, and as a son of a
retired jocky, my film deconstructs to a pesonal level the need to convey a important message. One that pays homage to my fathers vocational efforts, and one that raises awareness to the darkness behind the scenes. Please check out my documentary entitled NERVES OF STEEL (HORSE RACING ACCIDENT FILM) to get a small glimpse of what goes on in the mind of the jockey day in and day out. The mentality required is one of toughness, tenacity, and quite frankly stated... unintentional recklessness.

Matt Chapman
Chapman Digital Motion Pictures

Friday, July 18, 2008

HILARIOUS JOCKEY RIDE

One of the most bizarre events in horse racing history occured February 3rd, 1989 at Golden Gate Fields. Apprentice jockey Nate Hubbard clipped heels with my father Tom Chapman's horse CURRENT LADY. Mr. Hubbard's horse SWEET WATER OAK stumbled causing him to lose control of the reigns. As he started to fall he miraculousy reached around the horses neck and grabbed on for dear life. After that you have to see it to believe it. The only time in horse racing history when a jockey crossed the finish line in the winnings while not actually in the saddle. A truly amazing event, and one that my father knows better than anyone because he had the best view on the track. He crossed the finish line in first place. Check it out...it's worth the one minute of your time.