Buchanan, who was 68, trained in recent years at Leeston. His daughter, Glenys Chmiel, trains on the same property in partnership with her husband, Terry.
Buchanan trained some 260 winners, including 43 in partnership with Glenys.
He prepared Power In Motion, winner of the 2007 Banks Peninsula Cup.
He trained Cedar Fella for the first seven of his 17 wins in the 1980s when based at West Plains. He trained Lover's Wish to win the 1995 Southland Oaks. Lord Rotarian, Sir Bret, La Valaise, and Lord Dalrae were other useful winners he trained.
Buchanan operated Cedar Lodge Stud and bred Our Maestro, winner of the 1988 Interdominion Final and Miracle Mile.
He sold Our Maestro as a late 2yr-old. Our Maestro was by Gaines Minbar, who Buchanan stood at stud. He also stood Transport Chip, Knowing Bret and Count Bay. Buchanan was also a publican at Winton.
