Colin McAlpine
Colin completed his schooling at Toowoomba Grammar and returned to work at Eureka Thoroughbred Stud, which was founded by his father Andy. Colin later joined his father in partnership and took over Eureka on his own in the early 1960’s. Eureka continues to play a major role in the Queensland thoroughbred industry and Colin and Jill McAlpine’s son, Scott is the third generation of McAlpines to run the stud.
Colin joined the Queensland Bloodhorse Breeders in 1956 and subsequently held the position of president for 17 years. He later became president of the Australian Bloodhorse Breeders Association, a post he held for 14 years. He 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. He has continued to purchase quality thoroughbred breeding stock on the world market.
Outstanding thoroughbreds bred on Eureka include: Just Now, Sea Cabin, Lovey, Memphis Blues, Eureka Jewel and Fans. Stallions that have stood at Eureka have played an important part in shaping the future of the Australian Thoroughbred industry.
Colin is a life member of the Tattersall’s Racing Club, the Toowoomba Royal Agricultural Society, Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association and the Bernborough Club. In 1991 he was awarded the Order of Australia for his contribution to the Australian Thoroughbred Industry and its promotion throughout the world.