For a century or more the Lee-Steere name has towered over WA racing. And, arguably, nobody has had a greater effect on the racing industry in this State than Sir Ernest Lee-Steere.
Following in his father's footsteps, Sir Ernest, through his administrative skills, his breeding and racing of horses and his very love of the industry, took racing forward over an association lasting more than 50 years.
Joining the WATC in 1933, Sir Ernest was elected to the committee in 1948, becoming Vice Chairman in 1959 and Chairman from 1963 through to 1984. Remarkably, Sir Ernest served the same length of tenure as his father, Sir Ernest Augustus Lee-Steere who was Chairman from 1919 to 1940.
During his time as Chairman he was also Lord Mayor of Perth for seven years. But, it is as the overseer of racing in WA that he will probably be best remembered – including being credited with the re-laying of Belmont Park and turning it into one of the best wet weather tracks in the country.
Sir Ernest's desire to own a Derby winner was achieved in 1971 when Ride Easy won and he has raced many a useful type including Resolution, Perth Cup winner 1963, Belele and Heroicity.
He died in January 2011 at the age of 98. Sir Ernest Lee-Steere's contribution to breeding and the racing of horses can never be overstated