Christian McCann has been flat out organising his latest auction – a challenging task over four months involving 800 items and 150 vendors.

The result is a sale over which auction goers and collectors should be rubbing their hands with glee.

A major highlight is an important palatial Ming Dynasty carved polychrome Quan Yin and a fine collection of jewellery and sterling silver.

Although he won his last race 85 years ago before dying tragically from suspected poisoning, Phar Lap is still regarded as the most famous racehorse in Australian history.

Now, a unique collection of racing programs portraying much of Phar Lap’s racing career, will be auctioned from 9.30am Tuesday May 10 by Mossgreen at 926-930 High Street, Armadale.

The collection belongs to Californian Gary Madeiros who grew up near Menlo Park, where Phar Lap died, and was always fascinated by his story.

Richard Boland holds a unique place among single owner Australian art collectors whose works are now going to auction.

While many serious collectors work with advisers and dealers to obtain well-known quality pieces often to maximise investment potential, Boland’s main motivation for purchasing a work was its intrinsic visual appeal.

This might have reflected his work in the early years of television when pioneers were still learning about the importance of visual methods of communication.

Droves of rural auction goers are expected to attend auctioneer Steve Graham’s clearing sale at “Wyandah” Glenn Drouitt Road, Mount Macedon from 10am Sunday May 1.

The sale has many highlights including a Kubota L3400 tractor (with Burder front end loader), Caroni mulcher mower and a 17.5-foot Reef Craft Double Hull boat on a tilting trailer.

Other items to attract buyers include a Billy Goat industrial and garden shelf propelled vacuum, Kawasaki Bayou quad bike, electric log splitter, Echo chainsaw and a Honda E2500 generator.