Racing and the breeding industry have lost a great character, and a gentleman, with the passing of Colin McAlpine.

Colin was a true Queenslander; he lived on the Darling Downs at Cambooya, near Toowoomba, taking over Eureka Stud in the early 60s, after it was founded by his father, Andy, twenty five years previously.

Son, Scott, has since taken over the reins at Eureka, one of the few thoroughbred studs that have survived three generations, with the exception of the Thompson’s at Widden, and the Kelly’s at Newhaven.

Queensland racing and breeding prospered on the back of Colin’s vision and leadership, he
had a passion for both sides of the industry, he had some issues thrown at him, it wasn’t all just a matter of fact, he could handle both sides of the many issues that plagued the industry in those early years that were thrown at him.

He was one of the first to shuttle stallions into Australia and certainly Queensland, it has since become quite popular.

Stallions today are now covering mares in both hemispheres; it has become quite popular and very lucrative.

The first sire to see the light of day at Eureka Stud was Iliad by Swynford, he was beaten a length by the H. H. Aga Khan’s Blenheim in the Epsom Derby, starting at 25-1.

St Constant followed on, he was beaten by Buzalong in the 1938 Caulfield Cup, he proved a good sire, as did Lumley Road and Semipalatinsk, by Nodouble, a son of Noholme by Star Kingdom.

Our sympathy goes to his wife Grania, son Scott and daughter Jenny.