Boutique Breeders Reap Great Southern Rewards

The Shadow Hill team at the Inglis Great Southern Sale

Sales season success is often measured by top lots and record-breaking prices, but some of the most meaningful results come from boutique breeders whose hard work throughout the year is rewarded in the ring. The Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale provided exactly that, with Victorian operations Shadow Hill Thoroughbreds and Gippsland Bloodstock both enjoying standout results.

The two farms shared honours with the equal fourth-highest priced weanlings of the sale, each selling colts for $260,000, while also featuring prominently among the sale's leading vendors. For both operations, the results prove that success isn't reserved solely for the industry's big players.

Avenel-based Shadow Hill Thoroughbreds finished second on the Leading Vendor by Average table and seventh by Aggregate from a draft of just seven weanlings.

Operated by Kim Alderton, Shadow Hill has built a strong reputation for producing quality stock for major sales. Their Home Affairs x Whatadeel colt (Lot 267) sold for $260,000 to Blue Gum Farm and Suman Hedge Bloodstock, while their Ghaiyyath x Holy Spirit colt (Lot 9) was secured by Bromfield Park for $220,000.

The result is another milestone for the Aldertons, who have steadily developed Shadow Hill from a 180-acre property into the impressive 380-acre operation it is today.

Gippsland Bloodstock also enjoyed an outstanding sale. Run by Phoebe and Dean Grass, the boutique operation finished fifth by Aggregate and seventh by Average.

Their Ghaiyyath x Taqdees colt (Lot 228) attracted strong interest throughout inspections before selling for $260,000, setting a new personal benchmark for the farm.

"That's also my highest-priced weanling, so I'm happy to beat the last record of $230,000," Phoebe said after the sale.

"He was a beautiful colt and had many inspections every day. He was run off his feet and very tired by the end, so he held it together well and we got the result."

Nine of the 10 weanlings offered by Gippsland Bloodstock found new homes, capping off a successful week for the team.

The result was particularly rewarding given the challenges the farm has overcome in recent times. Just six months ago, Gippsland Bloodstock was dealing with the devastating aftermath of the Longwood fires, which caused significant damage to fencing and paddocks across the property.

The celebrations didn't end in the sales ring either. The team recently cheered on former racehorse High Torque (Toronado x Moussaieff), who has embarked on a second career in equestrian sport. Showcasing the temperament and athleticism that made him a favourite around the farm, High Torque won the Yulong Investments Rising Stars Challenge at Werribee's recent international three-day event.