Gary Turkington is the third generation proprietor of Queensland's historic Wattle Brae Stud. Mr Turkington's grandfather, Tom Turkington, founded the stud in the early 1900's and was also a founding member of the Queensland Bloodhorse Breeders Association. Gary Turkington has been a member of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Queensland Association for twenty one years. Presently representing Queensland on the Black Type Committee and the Federal Body the Thoroughbred Breeders Australia. Mr Turkington is also a committeeman on the Toowoomba Turf Club, a position he has held for seventeen years. While on the TTC he proposed that twilight racing be adopted after experiencing its success in New Zealand. The highlight of his career is winning the Silver Slipper with "Ballook" about fifteen years ago. Gary has been married for 16 years and has three children aged 15, 13 and 10.