THE little known life of a man who impacted hugely on the horse racing industry in Western Australia and the state itself has been highlighted in a new book written by Robyn McSweeney MLC.
The Member for the South West officially launched her book, Albert Edmund Cockram King of the Racecourse at Pinjarra Paceway on Monday.
Mrs McSweeney penned the autobiography to shed light on the life of her great grandfather; a man who imported the largest amount of race horses into Australia at the time.
Radio icon Bob Maumill and Murray Cowper MLA were on hand to help launch the book with Mrs McSweeney where some of Mr Cockrams history was shared.
“The history and everything he did hasn’t really been recognised in a proper way,” Mrs McSweeney said.
Mrs McSweeney said her grandfather started and owned Belmont and Goodwood Racecourses until his death in 1943 and in one year alone imported 150 horses (including trotters) from the United Kingdom though his impact on the industry is not greatly recognised.
“There’s not even a race named after him,” she said.
McSweeney said she wrote the book to better recognise Mr Cockram’s life.
“In 1908 he brought in horses from England, France and New Zealand; at the time there weren’t many doing it,” she said.
“He should be in the WA Racing Hall of Fame and National Hall of Fame.”
Mrs McSweeney said during her research for the book she was quite surprised to find out he also sent one of his own horses to England to compete in the Engish Derby in 1914.
Back on home soil Cockram’s racing colours of orange and purple became well known with his horses winning three Sydney Cups and five Perth Cups.
Mrs McSweeney said the book also had many other WA and Australian families in it including those who were involved in The Royal Agricultural Society which Mr Cockram was a member for 36 years and vice president for 15 years.
Albert Edmund Cockram King of the Racecourse will be available for purchase from Gannons shops or people can call Mrs McSweeney on 0407 611 957.
