Albert Mollett (1908 - 1991)

Albert ‘Albie’ Felix Mollett, was a well known farrier who shod the hooves of Fremantle horses for over 70 years, especially at the Richmond Raceway, in East Fremantle. 

Albert was born in Sandgate, Kent, England on 12th May 1908. Both his father and grandfather were respected farriers. In 1912 he immigrated to Australia. In 1922 he joined the Senior Cadets, and after Cadets he transferred to the 10th Light Horse regiment of the citizen forces.

He formed part of the escort during the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York, who stayed in Perth from 18-23 May in 1927. (reference)

1926 Like his father Albert became a farrier by profession and in 1926 established a business in Douro Road with his father William called W Mollett & Sons Blacksmith and Farriers. The business operated until the 1970s.

Albert married Evelyn Best, (daughter of Blanche Best) in 1930 and their son Albert was born in 1932. They lived at 26 Walker Street, Fremantle for 55 years. 

In 1935 he was disqualified from racing for two years for improper practice.

OUT FOR TWO YEARS- The West Australian Turf Club stewards today disqualified A. F. Mollett, owner, and J. Gray, apprentice rider, for two years for improper practice in the running of Blackmore, which started an even money favorite at Canning Park on Saturday, but was unplaced. (reference)

In 1941 Albert joined the AIF and was stationed in Darwin during the Japanese bombing of Darwin in 1942. (reference) He was discharged in 1946. (reference)

In 1949 Albert’s had his first race win as owner/trainer in 10 years with his horse Punchinello.

‘‘Punchinello is a moody old horse and the recent cool weather has benefited him' Mollett said. 'If he would only do his best every time he starts he would still be capable of winning good races.' (reference)

In 1951 Albert was again disqualified from racing for improper practices.

Disqualified For Year- The adjourned inquiry into the running of Cape Helles in the Erol Welter (2) at Belmont Park on Saturday was concluded by the stewards yesterday. Under Australian Rules of Racing 162 (a) the owner trainer, A. F. Mollett, was disqualified for 12 months, and the apprentice, M. Ellix, was also disqualified for 12 months. (reference)

1952 Restrictions Strike At The Farriers' Trade- New import restrictions are likely to deal yet another body blow to the trade followed by the few remaining farriers left in this State. "I feel like giving the game away; I can't get an apprentice, the number of horses that need shoeing is increasing, material is always hard to get and now the new import restrictions will probably make things worse," A. F. Mollett, president of the Master Farriers' Association, said yesterday. Mollett said that all the material used was in short supply, including steel, horse rasps, hoof knives, nails and pincers. Shoeing hammers were unprocurable. He had recently been able to obtain an assistant, and a 71 year-old blacksmith's striker lent an occasional hand, he said. Mollett's former apprentice who was within four months of completing his time, has gone to more lucrative employment on the wharf. (reference) 

In the 1970s Mollett joined Richmond Raceway and worked there for ten years. (reference)

“my most adored/beloved/treasured Great Uncle Albert Mollett...He was my Grandfather to me and I spent many a school holiday at his farrier workshop at the Richmond Racecourse putting old horse shoes in the fire until  bright orange, then to the anvil where I would try to mimic his rhythm of hammering to reshape the shoe, then plunging it into the cold water batch to watch it steam and sizzle”’. Julia Sprengel 2019

In 1976 Albert was honored with life membership to Gloucester Park Raceway. (reference)

In 1991 when Albert died he was 82 years old. He had shod 27 Perth Cup winners, 32 Railway Stakes winners, 25 Derby winners and the first Australasian Derby winner. (reference)

Research by Anthony Lazzarich for www.streetsofeastfreo