Bob and Marilyn Fowler
WA’s leading owner and breeder, Bob Fowler was last Wednesday awarded the James Brennan Medal at the Western Australian Trotting Association’s (WATA) Annual General Meeting.
The James Brennan Medal, named in tribute to the man regarded by many as the founding father of trotting in WA, is Gloucester Park’s highest honour. Established in 1985, the award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to both Gloucester Park and the Western Australian Harness Racing Industry.
Bob held many positions with the WATA, including President and he recently retired as the harness racing representative on the Racing and Wagering WA Board.
“It’s truly an honour” said Mr Fowler in his acceptance speech
“I’m actually lost for words, which is unusual for me as I’m an auctioneer”.
Fowler’s passion for the sport was ignited as a nine-year-old boy, watching races through the back fence of Gloucester Park, while his father was busy catching prawns. He was captivated by the thrill of the horses on the track, an early spark that led to a lifetime of commitment.
One of his first standout acquisitions was Amendment, a Kilmore Cup winner for the powerful Bob and Vin Knight stable. Other notable pacers to carry his now-iconic black and gold colours include Captain Lee, Hot Mix, and Mark Craig—a dual Group One placegetter.
He has played a leading role in the development of WA’s breeding industry, investing heavily in stallions such as Hilarion, Northern Lights, Its Levity, and later, Million To One.
To complement his stallions, he carefully built a band of broodmares, resulting in multiple Group One winners. His mare Summer Honey earned the 1994 Australian Broodmare of the Year, followed by Milady Mona, named WA Broodmare of the Year in 1996.
Among the many horses he has bred are WA Pacing Cup winner, Hilarion Star, Fremantle Cup winner, Smooth Business, Golden Nugget winner, Flashing Star and most recently outstanding mare, Wonderful To Fly, winner of 33 races, including multiple Group Ones and over $850,000 in stakes. Wonderful To Fly will look to add to her bulging trophy cabinet when she lines up in the $100,000 Group Two Norms Daughter at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Bob and his wife Marilyn are known for their great generosity and supporting the next generation. Previously the Fowler’s have donated weanlings to the John Higgins Equine Training Centre and volunteering his auctioneering skills at Banquet Auctions, helping raise vital funds for education and training in the industry, as well as many private contributions that go unheralded.
Also on the night, the association acknowledged three long-time members, John McIntosh, James Griffith and Howard Shaw, were bestowed the Dr Ern Manea 50 Years Continuous Membership Award.
John McIntosh’s love of harness racing started as a young boy, attending Tuesday Trials at the time when children could only attend trials, but not the race meets. That didn’t stop John and his very first meeting was the 1962 Interdominion Final which was won by James Scott and a night John fondly remembers, especially with the favourite, Cardigan Bay, sensationally scratched that night.
John comes from a proud trotting family. They ran inner-city milk rounds from 1929 through to 1964, with stables right out the back. One of the horses that helped pull the milk cart was Nellies Vin, the mare who later went on to foal a champion, the mighty Beau Don.
His uncle Eddie Crawford was a prolific owner who raced horses with Frank Kersley and John’s godfather, Mick Duffy, who was the owner of the great Bintravis.
James Griffith’s connection with Gloucester Park began long before he was even allowed through the gates. Back in the days when children weren’t permitted entry, he found a clever way in — by wheeling in Frank Kersley’s cart. When the gate attendants asked, “Is that Kersley’s?” he replied, “Yes,” and they told him, “You’re in Stall 51.” And just like that, he was in!
James officially became a member thanks to a bit of encouragement from Committee member Bill Nevard, who served under the great Jack Stratton. Bill said to him, “You should become a member, Griffo.” His proposers were Bill Nevard and Burt Duncan, who was also on the Committee at the time.
In his acceptance speech, James recounted driving against his idols for the then Governor General of Western Australia, which is still a proud achievement.
Howard Shaw first visited Gloucester Park with his wife Sharyn in the 1960’s, whose parents were proud members at the time, whilst he became a member in 1975 when his father-in-law nominated him to join.
Despite current health battles, Howard was present on the night with his family to accept the award.
