Here at Silverdale, we are passionate about providing the very best for our bloodstock. We pride ourselves on our highly experienced and professional team with an emphasis on personalised care. Our staff are passionate and take the utmost pride in our unique equine developed property.
Steve Grant – Owner
Steve Grant’s interest in the thoroughbred industry stems back to the early 1980s, where he purchased his first broodmare. She won, and the passion exploded!
Beginning his horticulture career as a macadamia nut farmer, Steve became one of the top growers. He then expanded his business interests into the property development and construction industry, where he has been recognised by numerous business awards. In 2010, he sold out of the nut farms to take a more active focus on thoroughbred breeding.
Steve served as a Director of the Australian Turf Club and spear-headed major projects, such as the redevelopment of the Rosehill Garden grandstand and negotiation with the NSW Government on the integration of the light rail at Royal Randwick.
With his wife Eliza, Steve is the visionary behind the creation of Silverdale Farm. They both have an innate passion for the thoroughbred industry and close relationships with several of the world’s leading breeders. Not one to shy away from hard work, he can be caught down at the farm helping with night watch or pitching in with mucking out during the yearling prep.
Rob Petith – Manager
Joining the Silverdale team in early 2020, Robert Petith is a highly respected and vastly experienced horseman. He has a special affinity with his craft and love of horses.
Rob began his career working at Woodlands Stud in the Hunter Valley, before moving on to premier Queensland nursery, Canning Downs where he held the position of Stud Manager for 10 years.
Rob has travelled overseas and completed stud seasons at the Irish National Stud, as well as in Newmarket, England and Lexington, Kentucky (USA).
Some of his achievements include:
- Winner of the 2004 Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association Scholarship to the Irish National Stud.
- Winner of the 2006 Australian Equine Exchange Association Horse Industry Scholarship, where he elected to work at Hagyards Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky.
- Winning the ‘Best Presented Draft’ Award at the 2015 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for Canning Downs.
