Tasmania lost one of its greatest sporting heroes last week when Darrel Baldock died at Latrobe in the State’s north-west.

Baldock (72) is best remembered as the skipper of St Kilda’s only premiership side in 1966.  He also delved into politics and spent 15 years in that arena.

While football and politics consumed a great part of his life, his great passion outside of those domains was horse racing and he delivered some magical moments in that sphere later in life.

“Doc” took to training thoroughbreds as if he had been doing it all of his life.  He prepared some top class gallopers at Spreyton including Chardere who was a dual Devonport Cup winner with Craig Newitt aboard.

“Doc” won four Devonport Cups, a Launceston Cup and Hobart Cup with Andrias in 1982 as well as a VRC Grand National Hurdle.

Baldock will be best remembered for his football prowess but those who knew him well will remember a genuine bloke who was generous to a fault.

Vale, Darrel Baldock.