New WA Racing Hall Of Fame Quartet Inductees

From a red-dirt debut in WA's north-west to global glory in Japan, Damian Lane's extraordinary career trajectory will be celebrated this year as he headlines a diverse group of inductees into the WA Racing Hall of Fame. The Bunbury-born rider is set to be honoured alongside iconic trainer-jockey Reg Treffone, the champion stallion Beau Sovereign and revered former Chairman of Stewards Jack Marks at a gala event in Crown Perth's Austral Ballroom on August 23. Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards hailed the quartet's inclusion as a reflection of the industry's core values. "This year's inductees have each achieved great success in their fields and reflect the qualities that make our racing industry special – talent, commitment and integrity," Edwards said. "Their impact reaches far beyond the racetrack and they have continued to build on what is a rich history of horseracing in our State." Lane, known universally as "Frosty" for his ice-cool style in the saddle, began his professional journey in 2009 in Roebourne, quickly notching his first winner at Port Hedland. He comes from a racing family – father Michael is now a leading trainer and mother Vicki was also active in the game – and his rise has been as swift as it has been sustained. Lane's maiden Group 1 came in the 2014 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes aboard Trust In A Gust, but 2019 proved a breakout year, highlighted by wins in the Caulfield Cup (Mer De Glace), Golden Slipper (Kiamichi), and Cox Plate (Lys Gracieux). In Japan, he made history again in 2023, becoming the first Southern Hemisphere jockey to win a Japanese classic via the Derby on Tastiera. Treffone's legacy lies both in his brilliance as a trainer, claiming four Kalgoorlie Cups and preparing stars like Aquanita, and his earlier feats as a jockey. He and brother Eric dominated WA riding ranks in the 1930s and 40s, with Reg winning the WA Derby in 1947 aboard Westralia. Beau Sovereign, meanwhile, left an enduring legacy at stud, becoming WA's leading sire by prizemoney in 1981-82. The son of Sovereign Edition produced 19 winners from his first 22 runners and had his own Caulfield Guineas triumph in 1971, confirming his place among Australia's most influential stallion-makers. Jack Marks, who rose from training to stewarding with the WA Turf Club, was revered for his insight and integrity. Appointed Chairman of Stewards in 1950, he served through to the late 1960s despite periods of poor health and was known for his fairness, restraint and understanding of people and racing. His legacy, like that of his fellow inductees, is woven into the fabric of Western Australian racing history.