Burning up the West

Nobody gives a horse as much time in the sale ring as Magic Millions Auctioneer Grant Burns. By the time he has said “hello” to his friends in the crowd and wished a few “a Happy Birthday” and used his catchcry “Bad Shake Sir” to coax another bid from an undecided punter minutes have passed but he has got the result, SOLD.

Born and raised in the South Island of New Zealand, Grant is the son of a saddler with Wingatui his hometown, same as Melbourne Cup winner Bagdad Note. Growing up at White Robe Lodge, which was formerly owned by the Anderton family who had stood the successful stallions Mellay and Trelay, Burns was destined to be a part of the industry.

Grant attended the local co-ed school which gave him a great backgrounding for future life. The horse-mad kid who had a pony of his own loitered around the racing stables of the famous Didham family and did all sorts of odd jobs getting experience wherever he could. He also worked for Defiance Industries, the local flour millers, bakers and grain buyers. Fun fact: Grant is actually a flour miller.

In 1995 (he must have been very young!) he travelled overseas for three years and this was a real adventure. Living in London but working at all sorts of things to keep the wolves from the door, he even worked in telecommunications across Europe. As you can imagine Mr Burns made every post a winner while on tour but he was always going to have to return home and it was Australia that became the lucky country. Knocking on doors throughout the thoroughbred industry: Magic Millions, Inglis, Australian Stud Book and around again until Don Hancock of Magic Millions sent him to Perth in 2000 for two and a half years then to Adelaide for five years and this is where Grant really found his calling.

Grant’s auctioneering career kicked off by a case of having to fill in when a plane was delayed bringing Simon Vivian from Melbourne to Adelaide to officiate at a mixed horse sale. A quick run around the vendors to ask their opinion and with the blessing of the masses, a star was born!! To say he was nervous is an understatement. Armed with a carpenters hammer, Burns climbed the rostrum and got the sale underway. To this day he still thinks Simon was hiding around a corner thinking that goodness, “this sale is beneath me”. There were racehorses, broodmares, ponies, gear and all manner of things to be auctioned and he didn’t miss a beat.

After this, it was a bug that started to consume him. Like many before him, once they get that microphone in their hand they become addicted performers and so hours of practice followed. Watching Youtube replays of other thoroughbred auctioneers, videoing himself doing mock sales helped to hone Grants style. His friendly warm character adds to the charm of one of our leading auctioneers. Many times it has been said that vendors trust him explicitly to get them their best result. David Chester has been one person to give Grant great support to get up and have a go, “you will be right, just get into it.” Fellow auctioneer Steve Davis has always been forthcoming with advice whether he wanted it or not. We all agree that we are lucky that the plane was delayed.

What do you see as your role in the Auction?

Representing the vendor - but basically the auctioneer is the conduit between the vendor and the buyer.

How do you prepare for the sale?

Early to bed. Know your product which means pre-sale inspections, relevant notes, updates, and having precise accurate information. You tend to spend much more time preparing than selling.

Anything special to maintain your voice?

Woods peppermint cure, a South African cough mixture in boiling water, just before each session and keep a packet of Fisherman’s Friend lozenges handy at all times.

You have sold many high priced lots, what have those been?

Listen Here for $3.4 million, Gold Coast Yearling Sale 2018 I Am Invincible yearling $2 million, Omei Sword, The Teeley Assets Racehorse dispersal was special, South African yearling 6 million Rand. I’ve been lucky there have been lots.

Grant, very few people can say they have auctionedthe best racehorse in the world but you can. Tell us whatyou remember about WINX going through the ring?

Well, I did think she could be the next Zenyatta. She was not necessarily your typical January yearling type physically, but was still a nice filly with a pedigree who was always going to have a future no matter how good she ended up on the racetrack - it’s fair to say she has ended up a touch better than I think any of us could have imagined. I look forward to doing a better job on her next time she comes through the ring.

Which is your favourite sale?

Love Perth, so many friends. And the Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale is an amazing trade.

With the growing success of Magic Millions sales andbigger catalogues, how have you changed your style?

The whole industry is better educated. There is so much information available that much less introduction of the lots is needed. Quality horses and atmosphere helps a strong tempo. Tempo is a must and it feeds off itself.

Is there anything special about your gavel? The first was given to me by my Mother and Father and made of Walnut from NZ which is retired now after selling WINX (but maybe bought for a price). Now like any test cricketer I would use a name brand gavel, “The STEVE DAVIS” lovingly fashioned it in his own factory!

Any funny moments behind the Rostrum? There are but we will leave those tales till after lights out.

When did you kick off Premium Bloodstock? April 2008. My business is mostly private sales of fillies and mares, racehorses to Asia, consulting to Yarradale Stud and helping Perth Racing with getting interstate horses over for our carnival. I have worn many hats though in the last few years.

What is the future for Grant Burns? Very good question. I love the industry and the people. I’ll be here however long the game lasts but would never say never if any other opportunity came along.

Grant Burns, Thank you. You are a gentleman.