Passion, advocacy and ‘Tibur’ Legacy – remembering Des McQueen

The well-known “Tibur” moniker, synonymous with a string of tough and talented pacers in the 1990s and early 2000s, is just one legacy left by Des McQueen – a breeding stalwart who gave so much to the harness racing industry he loved with a passion.

McQueen, who passed away recently, was a familiar figure in breeding circles and a tireless advocate for the sport, serving in key leadership roles and championing the interests of breeders and studmasters across Australia.

“As well as being a keen owner-breeder, he was also a strong voice for the Victorian Standardbred Breeders and Studmasters’ Association and the Australian Standardbred Breeders’ Association,” said close friend, trainer Ron Francis.

“I broke in many horses for Des and later trained and raced them for him – he was a really nice bloke who put his heart and soul into the sport,” he said.

“We used to go every year to the Inter Dominion carnivals all over Australia and had many good times with Des and his wife Sarah. His health was a bit up and down in recent years, but he never let that get him down.

“He was just a wonderful person, who loved to be busy and loved his community. He was president of the Diamond Creek Football Netball Club, and they were in a bit of trouble at one stage. It was through Des that they got back on their feet financially.”

Francis said he raced the majority of the “Tibur” horses owned and bred by Des.

“Tibur Power was the best one by far that he had. He won 17 races and over $100,000 in stakes, and if he wasn’t winning, he was in the placings. Another nice one was Tibur Prince, who ran third in a Derby and finished up with 16 wins,” Francis said.

“Tibur Royale was a lovely type who won a couple of two-year-old races by big margins. Unfortunately, it bowed a tendon and that ended his career.

“I reckon Tibur Torado could have been one of the first horses Des had and it won five. There were others like Tibur Dream and Tibur Earl, both winning five each, while Tibur Icon and Tibur Finale won two apiece.”

In 2012, Des was recognised at the 18th annual Harness Breeders Victoria Gala Dinner at Tabcorp Park Melton, alongside another Victorian breeding stalwart Stan Rutland, for their contributions to the industry

Des, who also served as Harness Breeders Victoria secretary and treasurer, as well as coordinator of Track Bred and the Australasian Standardbred Stallion Guide, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, while Rutland received the Distinguished Service Award.

A funeral service for the late Des McQueen will be held tomorrow (Tuesday July 15) at 11am at the Heidelberg Golf Club, Main Road, Lower Plenty. This will be followed by a wake at the golf club.

Harnesslink extends its deepest condolences to the McQueen family.

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink