Ernie's Story: A Life of Racing, Resilience, and Rediscovered Passion
Ernie still remembers the roar of the crowd and the thundering hooves on that unforgettable day in 2015.
Standing by the rails, he watched as Prince of Penzance, a rank outsider, surged past the finish line to win the Melbourne Cup.
Ridden by Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to claim the Cup, it was a moment that made history. But for Ernie, it was personal.
Ernie had been the stable hand who had cared for the champion in his early years, and seeing Prince of Penzance triumph was a moment of immense pride - one he still holds close to his heart. So close to his heart, in fact, that he has captured it on canvas, painting the very moment the horse crossed the finish line - all from memory.
Now living at Mayflower Brighton, Ernie has found a renewed passion for painting, dedicating up to 20 hours to each artwork.
Ernie’s story stretches far beyond the racetrack, weaving through decades of devotion to horses, a deep love of craftsmanship, and a lifetime of caring for others.
A Life Among Champions
From a very young age, Ernie had an instinct for horses.
Growing up, he worked with trotters before moving to thoroughbreds in his early twenties. He was never intimidated by the towering animals; instead, they became his mates. “If you’re not scared of them, they become like your friend,” he says, “they’ll play with you.”
His career in racing saw him working at the Ballarat stables, where he tended to some of the industry’s finest, including Prince of Penzance.
Over the years, he also owned partnership shares in 9 racehorses, including Ransom Money, whom he personally named by combining elements of the horses parents’ names.
Another favourite he worked with was Puissance de Lune, a striking grey French horse affectionately called ‘Frenchy,’ who placed third in the Melbourne Cup.
The world of racing wasn’t just about competition for Ernie - it was about the bonds he formed with the horses. He recalls fondly the early days of Trust in the Gust, fondly referred to as ‘Breeze’, a bay horse he once looked after, who later went on to win the Darwin Cup. “I was down there when he raced,” says Ernie, “they couldn’t catch him!”
The pair of horses have succeeded in producing a legacy, “both Breeze and Frenchy have since produced protégés – many of which have gone on to win races,” says Ernie.
When Mayflower Brighton arranged for horses from W.D. Rose to visit, it brought back a flood of cherished memories. “I truly miss them,” he says, “horses are my first love.”
A Heart for Family, Helping Others and Fostering
Away from the track, Ernie built a life centred around family and giving back. He and his former wife fostered children for over 20 years, welcoming around 200 children into their home.
Many arrived with deep emotional trauma, but Ernie took great care in providing them with stability and love. “95% of the kids had been through so much,” he says, “we were able to support them, and some never went back to their natural parents, instead choosing to stay with us.”
He and his wife adopted 3 children – first Leanne and Neville, and later Ricky whom they first provided a home through foster care. Tragically, Neville passed away, a loss that deeply affected the family.
During his career, Ernie worked as a wood-working teacher at ‘Sheltered Workshops’, now known as Inclusion Australia for people with disabilities to gain valuable employment and life skills. “I really enjoyed teaching the students new skills they could use, it was very rewarding.”
A 4-Year-Old Life Saver
Leanne’s daughter, Summer, holds a truly extraordinary place in Ernie’s heart.
At just 4 years old, she became his lifesaver during a medical emergency. One afternoon, Ernie suddenly felt the crushing pain of a heart attack while on the top floor of a three-story A-frame home - while Summer was playing on the second level.
Despite having never climbed the spiral staircase before, Summer didn’t hesitate to help her poppy. Ernie, struggling to hold on, coached her from above, gently encouraging her to hold the railing and take each step carefully.
With his guidance, Summer bravely made her way up, carrying the telephone in hand so Ernie could call 000.
Her determination didn’t end there.
After delivering the phone, she made her way back down to the ground floor to let the paramedics in, ensuring they could reach Ernie in time.
"She is my hero," says Ernie. "We share a bond that will never be broken."
A Passion Rekindled
While Ernie had always been a craftsman - working as a carpenter and builder for 25 years - he also had a hidden artistic talent. In secondary school, art was his strongest subject, consistently scoring in the top 90 percentile, with a final-year mark of an impressive 97%. But life took him away from painting, and for decades, his creativity found an outlet in his meticulous craftsmanship.
It wasn’t until moving to Mayflower Brighton that Ernie rediscovered his love of painting.
Attending an art session, he put brush to canvas for the first time in decades - and something clicked. “I realised I hadn’t lost it!” he says. His first piece, an abstract painting, reignited a passion he thought was long gone. Now, he spends up to 20 hours on each painting, pouring his heart into every stroke.
His most treasured piece? The moment Prince of Penzance crossed the finish line. “That’s where my horse painting comes from - the heart,” he says. “The race for dad was financially life changing, as well as the personal connection he had with the horse,” says Leanne.
Living Life, His Way
At Mayflower Brighton, Ernie continues to embrace life on his terms. Whether painting, reminiscing about the racetrack, or enjoying visits from old friends - both human and equine - he remains deeply connected to the things he loves. “It’s the best aged care place I’ve ever seen,” he says warmly. “There are so many people who care for you and care about you. I know I’m in the right place.”
His story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of community. Though the racehorses of his past now enjoy retirement, Ernie’s spirit is still charging forward, one brushstroke at a time.
