The world is constantly changing And when COVID-19 abruptly upended our lives last year, it separated us, almost completely, from the routine and events that usually root our lives in time. Life tends to be a blur without those anchors.
The new ‘normal’ became things like mask wearing, analysing symptoms, zoom meetings, home offices, social distancing and lockdowns among others.
You can expect to see lots of changes when we emerge into the world, from a favourite café that didn’t survive the shutdown to greetings between friends that now consist of a nod or a wave, rather than an effusive hug.
Practical activities like driving a car or catching a train may feel strange and, for many of us, the desire to pick up old hobbies and habits—a drink at the pub, a dinner party with friends and family—might be tinged with concern about whether it’s wise to socialise in close contact with others.
While most, if not all, are still adapting to the new way of normal, life goes on.
We must adjust.
Many people have altered their way of normal and one of the biggest surges has been via online shopping. And buying horses is no different.
Online auctions have become fashionable across both codes, Thoroughbred and Standardbred, and during the global pandemic the interest is closing in on fever pitch.
Australian Pacing Gold and Nutrien conduct online sales while New Zealand-based company Gavelhouse is proving to be very popular with monthly sales.
Gayle Garrard, based at Burpengary East, has become a big advocate of the online sales arena.
Garrard, wife of Daren and mother of star young driver Angus, has quickly adapted to the new way of life and has made several purchases online.
“It’s fantastic. A very simple process, non-evasive and very convenient. Obviously, I had a few nerves heading into my first purchase, but those fears disappeared quickly and I haven’t looked back since. Ultimately, it’s all about maximising your return via the QBRED scheme. It’s easily the best futurity-based scheme in the country so breeding with some extra mares will enhance our chances,” Garrard said.
The convenience of online shopping is a huge attraction. Customers can purchase items from the comfort of their own homes or workplace. Shopping is made easier and convenient for the customer through internet.
The maiden purchase for Garrard via Gavelhouse came in March last year (2020) when being the successful bidder for New Zealand trotting mare Lady Hillary.
Garrard was searching far and wide in pursuit of a trotter, preferably a mare, to join the family stable and ultimately breed from in time to come.
Over a period of time it became exhausting, with several deals falling through at the last minute, which prompted the move to explore the possibilities of the online market.
Before long, Lady Hillary appeared via Gavelhouse and Garrard got her mare.
Lady Hillary, a lightly raced four-year-old with a stout pedigree is a daughter of champion performer Muscle Hill (US) from Quatre Juillet (FRA) mare Pay Me Twice (NZ).
A winner at Oamaru for David and Catherine Butt at her third start, Lady Hillary was sold following her seventh start.
“Hillary ticked all the right boxes for me: a proven winner, extremely well-bred and still a young mare while still leaving under budget,” Garrard said.
“The normal process of getting them into Brisbane applies plus clearances but all in all, it was a very simple exercise which opened the door in many ways.
“I actually tried an embryo transfer with her using Wishing Stone, but it didn’t pan out owing to the surrogate mare.”
While Lady Hillary is yet to win on Australian soil (at time of writing), the faith is still there and Garrard believes her Kiwi import is still sorting out the racing caper.
“She’s a lovely big mare that has taken time to mature and develop but I’m prepared to be patient. You have to be patient when dealing with the trotters but the satisfaction she’ll generate when she finally cracks it will be well worth it,” Garrard said.
“The ability is there. It’s obvious and she comes from the same family as Gold Chain who raced during the recent TAB Constellations carnival, and she looks like she’s getting better with time.”
In October that year, the next purchase was made, again via Gavelhouse when Garrard bought a broodmare based in Perth named Jans Glamour Girl (Christian Cullen—Jans Buller Girl).
A winner of four races and earnings of $25,000—Garrard wanted a Christian Cullen mare to add to her broodmare band and this mare fitted nicely for her plans.
Currently, Jans Glamour Girl is in foal to Burwood Stud resident stallion Changeover while no decision has been made on her next mating.
Two months later, Garrard bought herself an early Christmas gift when landing a bargain from Gavelhouse when buying Some Excuses For Me, a Somebeachsomewhere—Silky Franco broodmare.
Garrard was particularly fond of this young and unraced mare after she discovered her breeding, a granddaughter of former star mare Smooth Performer.
The mare also had a foal at foot, a colt by exciting new prospect Fear The Dragon.
Back in May, Garrard again went back to Gavelhouse and secured a yearling colt by Rocknroll Hanover—Harmony Bromac (by Artsplace) for a bargain price.
“I think I got lucky with this colt. His breeding is excellent, but his price was very modest so I’m hopeful he can do the job in time to come,” she said.
“He’s arrived in Brisbane and looked in good order. He’s going through the breaking process with Darren Weeks and Kylie Rasmussen, and we’ll see how it goes as far as his report card is concerned.
“I’m planning for the future and hoping to provide our family with some quality stock. I’m hopeful my purchases via Gavelhouse will play an important role. I’ve copped plenty of slack from Daren and Angus and they’ve dubbed me ‘Gavelhouse Gayle’, but I won’t mind if they turn out OK.”
Garrard has also bought three horses from the recent Australian Pacing Gold online auction including:
- 2011 Broodmare—Ruby Pinevale LT: 30-6-4-3 $36,960 Skyvalley NZ / Pinevale Ellason NZ (Sundon USA)
- 2020 Filly Centurion ATM USA / Our Maple Tart NZ (Malabar Maple USA / French Tart NZ)
- 2020 Filly Sebastian K / Justa Cold Trotter (Fling It USA / Jessie Bessie USA)
The online world may not be for everyone, but as we now know, we’re living in an ever-evolving society.
It’s a new way of life. Some are adapting quicker than others!