Five minutes with... Harry McAlpine

Harry McAlpine - Eureka Stud

TDNAusNZ: Where are you from and what is your earliest racing memory?

I'm from Cambooya, 30kms south-west of Toowoomba. My earliest racing memory is of going to the Toowoomba races as a young kid and betting on the colours of the jockey silks... This might have been a more successful strategy than any punting I do at present!

TDNAusNZ: Can you tell us a bit about the work you do, the farm, and the exciting new stallion prospects for Eureka?

I mostly handle the stallion bookings and marketing for Eureka, but am able to get out amongst the horses on the farm regularly. I also run my own bloodstock business Harry McAlpine Bloodstock where I look after other clients including Black Soil Bloodstock which is a rapidly growing racing and breeding operation owned by Brian Siemsen (which he proudly has registered to race in the South Sydney Rabbitohs' colours).

The launch of Encryption standing at Eureka for his first season is very exciting, he has a pedigree to die for being by Lonhro and the first foal out of the four time Group 1 winner Guelph (Exceed and Excel).

He backed up his bloodlines as a Group 3 winning 2-year-old, Group 2 winning 3-year-old and ran second behind Booker (Written Tycoon) in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate. He is an incredibly good looking horse who is sure to throw plenty of quality into his foals.

Defcon is also one to follow with his foals now rising yearlings, they are easy to spot in the paddocks as they all look like golden Arnold Schwarzeneggers!

TDNAusNZ: What was the highlight of the season for you?

Boomsara (Spirit Of Boom) winning the Magic Millions 3-year-old Guineas.

TDNAusNZ: What do you love most about your job?

I love the interaction with and learning from the passionate people in the industry, doing business in the constantly changing bloodstock market, and the travel and all the great places it can take you.

TDNAusNZ: What is your favourite day on a racecourse?

Derby Day at Flemington.

TDNAusNZ: Do you have a favourite book and favourite movie?

Any war history book is great. Braveheart would be my favourite movie.

TDNAusNZ: Do you have a nickname? How did it come about?

I was nicknamed ‘Skier’ at college, due to my last names Alpine reference. Thankfully it hasn’t made it across into the racing world.

TDNAusNZ: What was your favourite weanling or mare purchase this year?

We managed to acquire the dams of, Beat The Clock (Hinchinbrook), Charge (Zoustar) and promising filly Sizzlefly (Sizzling) last year at all price ranges and with nice pregnancies. We're hoping for some similar updates for clients from this year's purchases.

TDNAusNZ: What stallion do you consider to be ‘under the radar’ and why?

I think Shooting To Win is a real chance. The runners so far are showing plenty of ability and the Northern Meteor factor means they should really kick into another gear now they are turning 3-year-olds.

TDNAusNZ: What first season sire (other than your own) are you most excited about?

The Autumn Sun.

TDNAusNZ: Who do you think is a rising star in the racing industry? (person, not horse)

Bruce Slade. I think the man could do anything!

TDNAusNZ: If you were an Everest slotholder, who would you pick?

Santa Ana Lane (Lope De Vega).

TDNAusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry?

I think that the image of the industry seen by new generations needs to be carefully considered, especially with welfare. The power of social media has changed the world and it can spread a condemning angle on the industry to the masses in an instant.

This along with the big gap of understanding and relate-ability from people with a sheltered city upbringing is a dangerous combination. I have friends who are completely uninvolved in horse racing and their view has been completely formed on what they read in the news and social media.

Whip use and horse deaths will always be an easy target for negative stories. To help the issue I think that there is definitely an avenue for creating a big competition circuit for thoroughbred only Off The Track events with lucrative prize money from the PRA’s as incentive.

This is one way I think we can ensure the thoroughbred breed has another purpose over other breeds to stimulate demand for OTT horses.

TDNAusNZ: If you weren’t in the thoroughbred industry what would you be doing?

I would be a helicopter pilot or property auctioneer.