Alongside Saturday's announcement of William Pike as an entry into Racing WA's Hall of Fame, several other luminaries of the thoroughbred code will join 'The Wizard' in being elevated at the August 22 ceremony.
Pike will be joined by trailblazing trainer Paddy Ward, revolutionary owner-breeder Robert Holmes à Court and Group 1 hero Black Heart Bart at the 2025/26 Thoroughbred Racing Awards.
Racing and Wagering Western Australia chief executive Ian Edwards said each deserved their place in the Hall of Fame and for eclectic reasons.
"Each has made a significant and lasting contribution to Western Australian racing," Edwards said. "From early pioneers to those who helped grow the industry, through to modern champions, their achievements have helped shape the strength and reputation of racing in this State."
The contemporary maestro of the saddle in the west, Pike further cemented his place in history with a typically well-timed steer aboard Western Empire in the Belmont Sprint on Saturday afternoon, barely two hours after being made aware of the honour. It was one of more than 100 successes at Group level and 3000 throughout his racing career, notching up 15 Perth jockey premierships.
"William Pike is widely regarded as one of the finest jockeys our State has produced," Edwards said. "This recognition reflects the exceptional standard he has maintained throughout his career, as well as the respect he has earned through his professionalism and dedication."
Paddy Ward was a pioneering figure in the infancy of WA racing, playing an instrumental role in shaping the State's training ranks through the early 20th century. A widely respected horseman, he enjoyed serious glory with dual Perth Cup winner Artesian and also contributed to the development of racing administration in Western Australia.
Robert Holmes à Court played a transformative role in Western Australia's thoroughbred breeding industry. Through the establishment of Heytesbury Stud, he created one of the nation's premier racing and breeding enterprises, internationally recognised and headlined by the landmark 1984 Melbourne Cup victory of Black Knight.
Black Heart Bart took nine starts and was four years old by the time he broke his maiden but soon became one of WA's best-ever products. Sweeping through the local grades, he hit stardom when he landed the Group 1 Goodwood in South Australia midway through 2016. Inside the next year, he'd bagged four more Group 1s for good measure in the Memsie, Underwood, C F Orr and Futurity. After a long winless run, the big gelding's career seemed at a crossroads until he was rejuvenated by Lindsey Smith to recapture his Underwood crown in 2019.
In other racing news, Nod From Above was strongly supported from $23 down to $2.15 when saluting at Pinjarra on Monday afternoon. Speed machine Straight Charge has been signed to cover his first book as stallion at Westbury Park.
