Born at Albany in 1926, Ernest Cosmo Manea graduated as a Bachelor of Medicine (MB) and Bachelor of Surgery (BS).
Establishing a medical centre in Bunbury in 1952 resulted in Dr Manea becoming a breeder when one of his patients defaulted on money loaned for a service fee and he was given the resultant foal.
He founded Marden Stud Farm, standing several stallions and at one time owning 21 brood mares. His best horse in that era was the smart mare Marden Miss which won a Bunbury Cup.
As a highly popular Mayor of Bunbury his views on politics and planning were frequently sought by various Premiers and Ministers of the State Government, including on the many issues that affected his beloved sport of harness racing.
Between 1979 and 1987 Dr. Manea was President of the WATA which later led to Presidency of the Australian Harness Racing Council (1984-2000) and the Inter Dominion Harness Racing Council (1987-2000).
He served a term as President of the International Trotting Association (1991-1993) and was made a Life Member of that body in 1997.
In 1992 the AHRC acknowledged Dr. Manea with its Stratton Award for his on a national and international level.
In 2000, on completion of his Presidency the IDHRC awarded him its Gold Medal, and renamed the award the "Ern Manea Inter Dominion Gold Medal".
One of the many tributes at the time came from The US Trotting Association:
"Dr. Manea has not only been a leader in Australia, but is equally respected and recognised on a world-wide level. Ern Manea IS harness racing around the world."
While renowned as a brilliant orator, Ern Manea's great ability was to foster progress and development, in an era of great technological change, culminating in major advances and a more truly national philosophy.
His contribution to the community and local Government was recognized in 1985 when he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1998.