With the overall sale average sitting at just
over $64,000, Dean and Phoebe Grass were delighted to sell their two - colts by
Helmet and Elzaam - for a combined $200,000."We thought we had ticked every box with the two horses," Phoebe Grass said, "and we could not be happier with the result."
"They both presented really well and had clear x-rays and that paid off."
Both horses are pin-hooking success stories, the eye-catching $110,000 Helmet - Raelene colt purchased as a yearling for $27,000 whilst the imposing $90,000 Elzaam - Naughty Girl Colt was secured for just $20,000.
The pair, who make their way to the Singapore stables of Cliff Brown, were stand-outs at the sale with each having a very busy time in and out of their boxes for multiple inspections.
Their popularity is testament to the good job done by Dean and Phoebe who boast long backgrounds in the horse world, working in a variety of disciplines from western performance to showing and rodeo.
A qualified farrier, Dean has, laughed Phoebe "done it all" and after breaking in a few horses for the Robbie Griffiths stable fifteen or so years ago things took off.
"It just all grew from there."
Totally in house at their Garfield property, Dean and Phoebe offer a wide range of services including breaking and pre-training and they hope to be long term players at the sales.
"We want to keep preparing ready to run type horses but we will stay focused on small, quality drafts."
The couple, who have enjoyed good success on the Asian racing circuit, sold Singapore Group One winner Laughing Gravy off a Murtoa maiden victory and have enjoyed following his progress from temperamental horse to big race winner.
"He was a very difficult horse early," Phoebe recalled, "and I think many people would've given up on him. But Dean persevered and after a lot of hard work he transformed into a beautiful horse."
It is little wonder that horses thrive under Gippsland Bloodstock's care, a lot of time in effort going into ensure that horses are treated as individuals and primed to be able to give their best.
"We don't cut any corners and we make sure we look after young horses' joints and have them in the best possible condition," Phoebe said, understandably proud of the veterinary all-clear the two Ready To Race youngsters received.
