Racing WA

Inductee 2010: Frank Moore

2 June 2010

Born in Perth in 1926 and raised in Redcliffe by his parents Frank and Ellen Moore, a young Frank Moore gained the nickname 'Tiger' early in life. Hon. Bill Mitchell, Member of Parliament for Murchison, often stayed with the Moore family while in Perth. Many of the local children would come and play football at the family's property and as a young Frank burst out of the pack with the ball Mr Mitchell yelled 'Go Tiger' and the name stuck.

Leaving school at the age of 14, Tiger became indentured to Ascot trainer Bunny Hyde in 1940. It was in the 1946-47 season that Tiger won the first of six metropolitan jockey premierships. His battles during the 1950s and 1960s with champion riders such as Frank Treen and Eric Treffone are legendary.

Tiger was a natural sportsman who played off a low golf handicap, however it was his prowess in the saddle that race goers long remember. His record of nine W.A. St. Legers, eight W.A. Oaks, seven W.A. Derbies and five Karrakatta Plates are the envy of any jockey.

Tiger had a strong association with leading Ascot trainer 'Jock' Campbell, combining to win many races, including the 1962 Western Australian Guineas and Western Australian Derby with outstanding galloper Nicopolis.

It was Tiger's association with the champion Aquanita that raised him to prominence on the national racing scene, partnering the horse to seven of his eight wins in the 1962/63 season, including the W.S. Cox Plate, L.K.S. Mackinnon Stakes and Underwood Stakes.

One of Tiger's greatest honours was being introduced to Queen Elizabeth II during her first Royal Visit to Australia in 1954.

Tiger rode successfully in Malaysia for several seasons, however, weight problems forced his retirement from the saddle in 1975.

In a career spanning 35 years, Tiger rode in excess of 2000 winners and won almost every major race on the Western Australian racing calendar.

Frank 'Tiger' Moore passed away in 1992, aged 66.