Vale Colin McAlpine AM

The Australian racing and breeding industries are in mourning with the passing of legendary horseman Colin McAlpine AM.

TBQA President Basil Nolan, his wife Di, and the TBQA committee would like to express their condolences to Colin’s wife Jill, children Jenny and Scott and the entire McAlpine family.

“Colin was one of the most influential breeders in Queensland for many years and has left the legacy of Eureka Stud,” said Nolan.  “I had the privilege of working with Colin on a number of committees for quite a few decades and his dedication and passion for the industry was second to none.

“Not only was he a fine horseman and breeding entrepreneur, but he was true gentleman and well respected in the industry not just in Australia, but world-wide.  I have no doubt that the Queensland breeding and racing industry prospered on the back of Colin’s visions.”

Colin took over Eureka Stud, near Toowoomba on the Darling Downs, in the early 1960s, twenty five years after it was founded by his father Andy.  He joined the TBQA in 1956 and was President for 17 years.  He was also President of the Thoroughbred Breeders Australia for 14 years.

Colin was an inaugural interstate member of the Thoroughbred Club of Australia and assisted in the founding of the Australian Horse Council.  He was on the Board of the Australian and Queensland Horse Councils, was a Director of the Australian Equine Research Council and the Australian Breeders Cooperative Society and a committee member of the Toowoomba Turf Club.

One of Colin’s proudest achievements was to chair the 1986 sub-committee, which delivered income tax deductions to thoroughbred breeders.  These benefits still apply.

He was the Australian delegate to the World Thoroughbred Breeders meeting in Dublin.  In 1966, he and Colin Hayes were the first Australians to attend and purchase horses at the English Tattersalls Newmarket Sales.

McAlpine imported Champion sire Semipalatinsk (USA) and shuttled Piccolo (GB) and Puissance (GB).  He guided Eureka Stud to an impressive tally of four Magic Millions winners, Group winners in every State, as well Group 1 winners Picaday, Just Now, Scenic Peak, Show a Heart, Temple of Boom, Spirit of Boom and Tinto and multiple Group wins with Eureka Jewel, Memphis Blues and Skalato.

A Life Member of the TBQA, Tattersall’s Racing Club, Toowoomba Royal Agricultural Society and the Bernborough Club, he was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1991 for his contribution to the Australian Thoroughbred Industry and its promotion throughout the world.

“Colin was a true pioneer of the Australian breeding industry and one of the first people to ‘risk’ importing stallions – his gamble paid off and he broke new ground,” Nolan added.  “It’s a sad loss to the Queensland industry, but thankfully Colin has passed his passion on to his children and grandchildren to continue the tradition.”

COLIN McALPINELegendary horseman and his family celebrate Spirit Of Boom's win in the 2012 Magic Millions Cup

EUREKA
Colin McAlpine and his family celebrate Spirit Of Boom’s win in the 2012 Magic Millions Cup