Rarely does a relationship last 50 years in any walk of life. In racing, where fortunes can change in an instant, such longevity is even more remarkable.
That is why Campton Racing is proud to celebrate the enduring connection between the Campton and Chiswick families,
The story came full circle recently when Mongolian Spring entered the mounting yard at the Gold Coast. Our jockey, McKenzie Apel, wearing the famous silks: white with red quarters, black sleeves and black cap.
Those colours carry a rich history spanning generations.
A Legacy That Began Nearly 50 Years Ago
The story of these famous colours dates back to 1950s when Sydney radio station 2KY, now known as Sky Sports Radio, registered them.
The first horse to race in the colours was Castles In The Air, trained by F.G. “Mick” Hood and part-owned by popular 2KY personality Donnie Sutherland and renowned photographer George Cliff.
Following the retirement of Castles In The Air, Alan Chiswick took over the registration of the colours and has raced in them ever since.
Over the decades, Alan and his racing partners have celebrated more than 100 winners across New South Wales and South East Queensland. It was through this extensive racing journey that the foundation of the Chiswick family’s association with Campton Racing was formed.
The Neil Campton Connection
For more than four decades, Alan Chiswick and his close friend Peter Hesky, a prominent hotelier and commercial builder raced numerous horses together, in excess of 100 to be accurate.
Many of those horses were trained by “Mick” Hood, later assisted by his son Steven Hood. Regularly entrusted with riding duties was one of the era’s leading jockeys, Neil Campton.
As racing fans know, Neil Campton is the father of Adam Campton, continuing a proud family contribution to Australian racing.
When asked about the standout horses he raced over the years, Alan quickly nominated Luskin Galaxy, Gold Futures, and Let Me Adam among his favourites.
Mongolian Spirit at the Gold Coast carrying the famous silks.
Rena’s Lady: A Remarkable Oaks Story
Every racing enthusiast has a story they never forget, and for Alan Chiswick, Rena’s Lady is one of them.
Alan initially committed to a 10% share in the filly after arranging for a friend to become involved. When his friend unfortunately suffered a serious health issue and could no longer participate, Alan stepped up and purchased the additional share to avoid disappointing the syndicate manager.
What followed was the kind of fairy-tale racing script that rarely gets written.
Rena’s Lady won the Adrian Knox Stakes at odds of 33-1 before backing up just days later in the 2007 Australasian Oaks at Randwick, where she again stunned punters by winning at 20-1.
It remains one of the great memories of Alan’s long and successful journey in racing.
The Story Continues With Mongolian Spring
Fast forward to today, and the next chapter is being written.
Alan Chiswick and his son Darren Chiswick are major shareholders in Campton Racing’s four-year-old gelding Mongolian Spring, who proudly races in the same iconic colours that were carried to victory so many times over the years.
For Campton Racing, there is something particularly special about seeing those colours return to the track. They represent not only a rich racing heritage, but also the continuation of a relationship spanning two families and two generations.
From Neil Campton to Adam Campton, and from Alan Chiswick to Darren Chiswick, the connection remains as strong as ever.
We are incredibly proud to continue this intergenerational partnership and look forward to seeing those famous colours return to the winner’s stall many more times in the years ahead.
Racing Update
Mongolian Spring is currently dual nominated for:
- Eagle Farm Benchmark 70 Handicap (3YO & 4YO) – 19 September
- Grafton Benchmark 66 Handicap – 21 September
We’ll be cheering him on wherever he lines up next.