The Graham family will once again present a quality pair at Sunday’s Nutrien Equine Standardbred Melbourne Yearling Sale at Oaklands Junction, continuing a proven approach that has consistently delivered value for buyers.
Kirsten Graham, alongside her parents Melva and Garry, will offer Lot 235, a Ride High–Three Secrets filly, and Lot 241, a Ride High–Whata Philly colt, with both youngsters ticking key boxes on pedigree, eligibility and temperament.
“Colonial stallions are vital for the industry and offer more open bloodlines,” Kirsten said of Ride High, the sire of both yearlings. “The bonuses are an added incentive to take a risk on a youngster.”
Both yearlings are Vicbred Pure and eligible for the Vicbred Voucher Scheme, allowing buyers with a Vicbred voucher to put $5,000 towards their purchase.
The Graham family has built a strong reputation for producing affordable, high-performing horses and offering them through the sales ring.
“We’ve put nearly every horse we have ever bred through the sale, those that we have raced have been retained due to not selling,” Kirsten said.
That approach has delivered standout results, including Golden Tribe, who was purchased for $10,000 at the 2023 Nutrien Equine Melbourne Yearling Sale and has since developed into a strong free-for-all and Country Cups performer, including a second in the inaugural Running Of The Bulls slot race at Birchip.
“We bred Royal Verdict, who won the three Group 1s as a 2yo in the APG, Vicbred and Australasian Breeders Crown,” Kirsten said.
“Our ‘stable champion’ Sports Dancer was unwanted at the sales, and he went on to win $170,000 and race against the best of his generation.”
“We also bred Flash Jimmy, who ran second in the Australasian Breeders Crown a few seasons ago.”
Stroke Of Luck and Miss Idaho are two other star performers bred by the Grahams.
The strength of their draft is further enhanced by their choice of sire this year, with Ride High continuing to produce top-level results.
A recent example saw a 2024 $5,000 purchase in Delizioso go on to win the $200,000 Nutrien Equine Classic for Craig and Abbey Turnbull.
“His race record was impeccable, and sons of Art Major have mixed well with our mares previously,” Kirsten said of the stallion. “Ride High has a strong, good broodmare line too, which should only add strength to our already strong maternal line.”
As always, the preparation is a hands-on family effort.
“Dad in particular puts in long hours with them. We pride ourselves on handling them well, and dad is one of the best in the business in that regard,” she said.
“He does all the behind-the-scenes stuff and then I do the brushing, washing and preparing, as well as parading at the sales.”
This year’s pair have impressed most with their temperament.
“These two are honestly the kindest natured yearlings we’ve ever had,” Kirsten said.
“They have both been very people orientated from day dot, would greet you out in the paddock and come up for a pat.
“The weather was shocking on their photo day and neither even batted an eyelid. They’re very mature and sensible youngsters. Honestly couldn’t be happier with either of them.”
CLICK HERE FOR PEDIGREE PAGE OF LOT 235
CLICK HERE FOR PEDIGREE PAGE OF LOT 241
A bumper selection of 161 yearlings will go under the hammer at the 2026 Melbourne Yearling Sale to be conducted by Nutrien Equine at Oaklands Junction on Sunday, April 12, starting at 11am.
The Woodlands Stud yearling parade will be held on Saturday from 12 noon, with Hygain and BetaVet sponsoring the best presented colt and filly at the parade.
The sale and parade will be livestreamed on the home page of the website www.nutrienstandardbred.com.au
CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO THE FULL CATALOGUE
CLICK HERE FOR TO SEE THE LIST OF VICBRED VOUCHER ELIGIBLE YEARLINGS
