I met Gary on many occasions at Alex Park/Ellerslie Racetracks when he retired to Auckland.Yes,he was a Mainlander,& played first class cricket for Otago I think!
Believe he spent time working overseas,then returned to NZ & an early McDonalds Franchisee.
A keen sportsman,tabletennis in his youth & basketball administration in later years,combined with dual racing code interests.
Hesi has noted three of his glamour part-ownership horses,another was Changeover.