Jack Marks was born in 1914, the eldest of nine children in a Fremantle racing family. His father, Percival Marks, was a trainer, and his mother passed away when Jack was young. Racing was in his blood—his brothers Sol, Jack (named after their uncles), and Bill all became trainers, and the family later moved to Hamilton Hill, where the Randwick Stables, now heritage-listed, became a hub of their operations.
Before stepping into stewarding, Marks trained thoroughbreds himself, preparing notable horses like Beggar King and a WATC Plate winner. In late 1946, he joined the WA Turf Club as a steward and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Chairman of Stewards in 1950. Despite battling ill health from 1967, he continued to lead the panel until 1969 and remained active until 1972. He passed away in 1976, leaving behind a legacy of fairness, insight, and integrity.
Marks stewarded during a pivotal time in WA racing. The introduction of the State-owned WA TAB in 1960 transformed the industry, replacing illegal SP bookmakers and providing a reliable income stream through betting turnover. Before this, prize money was poor, and many trainers, jockeys, and owners relied on betting to survive. With most betting conducted off-course, stewards lacked the tools available today—no patrol films, no betting trend data, and limited race broadcasts. They had to rely on instinct, experience, and a deep understanding of racing to maintain integrity.
Jack Marks was a master of this environment. He could read a race like few others, spotting inconsistencies in tactics and performance. He understood the battlers of the industry and was known for his emotional intelligence and fairness. Rather than rushing to punish, he often issued warnings, believing in second chances and the importance of maintaining livelihoods. His approach helped preserve the sport’s credibility without alienating its participants.
One of the most defining moments of Marks’ career came in the 1957 WA Derby. The horse Nhgaro had previously won from behind but was ridden aggressively in the Melvista Stakes, fading badly. Marks warned the trainer that if Nhgaro was ridden differently in the Derby, he would face a 12-month disqualification. Despite this, the trainer ran the horse after receiving committee approval. Nhgaro won, sparking outrage among punters. Within three days, Marks disqualified the owner, trainer, and jockey for a year. WA Turf Club Chairman Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Jr. backed the decision, even against pressure from within his own committee. From that day forward, Marks’ authority was never questioned.
Marks’ understanding of racing came from lived experience. He worked for his father until age 17, when a violent incident led him to leave home and move in with his uncle Bill, a leading trainer who prepared champion galloper Easingwold (pictured below). Jack accompanied Easingwold to Victoria, where the horse won the 1922 Kalgoorlie Cup. While working in racing, Marks also educated himself and became a meat inspector.
During World War II, he served as a captain in the Australian Army, overseeing supplies in Lae, New Guinea. Upon returning, he was offered a stewarding role after a previous candidate from Melbourne was caught betting at the Tattersalls Club. With two senior stewards transferring to Sydney and Adelaide, Marks quickly rose to the top. He was later offered chief steward roles in both Sydney and Melbourne, but his wife Doris preferred to stay in Perth.
Jack Marks was a steward who understood the soul of racing. He upheld the rules with compassion, protected the sport’s integrity, and earned the respect of participants and administrators alike. With the support of visionary leaders like Harry Bolton and Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Jr., Marks helped guide WA racing through one of its most transformative eras. His legacy is one of balance, fairness, and unwavering principle—a true Hall of Fame figure who helped shape the sport for generations to come.