Samuel Phillips was one of the eight inaugural members who got their heads together to write the institution's racing rules.
Samuel Phillips attended the 1852 meeting at which 20 people established the Western Australian Turf Club and he was one of the eight inaugural members who got their heads together to write the institution's racing rules.
Phillips migrated to Western Australia aboard the Montreal, arriving in 1839 and going into business with Edward Hamersley. Phillips acquired land from Alfred Waylen in the Avon Valley where he built his homestead and, after contributing to the WATC's early years, he was one of the founders of what is known today as the Toodyay Race Club.
Phillips pioneered the Irwin River area and he made serious money from cattle, which subsidised his thoroughbred racing interests. Phillips led an active public life, including 15 years as a Member of the Legislative Council, before his death in 1901.