At Saturday night’s glittering 2025 WA Racing Awards and Hall of Fame gala, the spotlight fell on a man whose legacy in Western Australian racing is as enduring as it is endearing.
Vern Brockman, the much-loved former trainer and raconteur of the turf, was honored with the Spirit of Racing Award, a recognition of his lifelong contribution to the sport he has lived and breathed for more than six decades.
The Spirit of Racing Award, introduced in 2023 and won previously by Ross and Tammy Price, Julie Mitchell and Colin Webster, recognises contributions that transcends results and celebrates those whose passion and commitment have left a lasting impact on the industry.
It’s a fitting tribute for Brockman, affectionately known as “Brocky” or “The Earl of Vasse,” whose racing story is one of dedication, colourful character and quiet influence, qualities that define the essence of the award
Born into a family steeped in racing tradition, Brockman’s connection to the sport dates back to 1836, when his great-great-great-grandfather William Locke Brockman won the first thoroughbred race held in WA with a horse named Margeaux.
Brockman himself began as a champion show jumper before turning his hand to training, a career that yielded nearly 600 winners and reached its pinnacle when he was crowned Perth’s champion trainer in 1980.
Among a string of Brockman’s notable victories were the Railway Stakes with Alpine Wind in 1977 and Old Fashion in 2002 before claiming the Karrakatta Plate, WA’s premier juvenile event, with Hobart Jones in 2014, a race that reaffirmed his training skills in the twilight of his training career.
Yet Brockman’s success was never confined to the winner’s circle. He was a mentor, a storyteller and a man with an infectious spirit who brought warmth and wit to every stable and racecourse he visited.
His adventures weren’t limited to Western Australia, he travelled to racing’s grandest stages-Longchamp in France, Saratoga, near New York and Royal Ascot in England, where at the Derby meeting, he earned his moniker of “The Earl of Vasse.”
Dressed in top hat and tails, Brockman had made the pilgrimage to the iconic racecourse, but upon arrival, realised he had forgotten his members ticket, but undeterred, he confidently strolled up to the entrance and told the gatekeeper: “I’m The Earl of Vasse.”
Remarkably and perhaps seduced by Brockman’s charm or the twinkle in his eyes, the gate keeper believed him and the delighted Australian was ushered in without any question or doubt.
Despite reaching the top of the training tree and rubbing shoulders with the elite of racing throughout his decorated career, Brockman never lost the common touch and his affection and love of grassroots racing.
He trained for some of the biggest owners including, Robert Sangster, but also thrived with modest teams and home-grown talent, often buying yearling with mates and turning them into winners.
From humble beginnings, the first horse he ever bought was Chez Felix, a $1200 purchase with his great mate, Bill Slater, who progressed to win the 1970 WA Derby when trained by Brockman’s father, Julius.
The same knack for spotting talent surfaced again when Brockman bought Alpine Wind for $4,500 on behalf of Vern Walsh, the father of Peter Walsh, the driving force behind Amelia Park.
Years later Brockman repeated the feat when he paid $7000 for Old Fashion as a yearling, proving again his eye to develop talent and cementing his reputation as a trainer who could turn modest investments into major victories.
Even in the twilight of his career, Brockman remained a fixture in WA racing. His final starter came at Bunbury earlier in February and his last winner, Toropa, saluted at Belmont last September.
At 84 and after decades of excellence, Brockman made the decision to retire.
His story is one of passion, perseverance and personality.
Julio Santarelli