Well known in the racing industry, Hassell bred, owned and successfully raced several horses. He was a foundation member of the Albany Club, a member of the Weld Club, a founder of the Plantagenet Lodge of Freemasons, a long serving member of the Albany Roads Board, a Justice of the Peace and a long time representative for P&amp;O Shipping in Albany. As pastoralists the family introduced Saxon sheep onto their properties. Hassell improved the flocks and was awarded a grand prix in 1889 at the Paris Universal Exposition for twenty-five fleeces and later won more gold medals for his wool displays in exhibitions in France and Western Australia.