News

Inglis Digital expands into the USA

23rd May 2024

Inglis is proud to announce its expansion into America via a takeover and rebrand of leading online thoroughbred auction company Wanamaker’s, which will now be known as Inglis Digital USA.

Wanamaker’s has surged to the forefront of innovation in the North American online thoroughbred auction space, conducting monthly auctions for horses of all ages since June 2020.

Inglis, Australia’s largest and longest-running thoroughbred auction company, holds a deep history in the digital space.

Inglis Digital has hosted online sales for seven years with an average of 300 horses offered every two weeks, grossing over $90 million per year (Australian).

Inglis’ Managing Director Mark Webster described Wanamaker’s as an “exceptional online trading company managed by extraordinarily talented people’’ and was thrilled to be able to partner with them to expand into the American market.

“Innovation and technology have been at the forefront of our business operations in Australia, which is home to the world's second-biggest thoroughbred market so I'm therefore delighted to announce our investment in the world's largest thoroughbred market via Wanamaker’s and the launch of Inglis Digital USA,’’ Webster said.

“During my time as Managing Director of Inglis, Australia's leading thoroughbred auction house for the past 150 years, I have witnessed the rapid globalization of thoroughbred racing, breeding, and, of course, trading and never before have racing jurisdictions felt so connected or empowered.

“This is such an exciting opportunity and it’s been an absolute delight to work with the Wanamaker’s team behind the scenes to be able to create this rebrand as we aim to make Inglis Digital USA the largest and most successful online trading platform in the Northern Hemisphere.’’

In its relatively short existence, Wanamaker’s has proven a leading source for online trading in America.

Among the notable horses to change hands through the Wanamaker’s platform was Fiya, who sold for $400,000 in July 2020 and went on to become a multiple Stakes winner for new owner Robert Masiello.

The connections of Bandonarun parlayed an impressive allowance score at Laurel Park into a $330,000 sale just weeks later during the October 2023 auction.

Wanamaker’s has also conducted State-bred specific auctions in conjunction with breed organisations in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Under the new ownership platform, Wanamaker’s co-founder and incumbent CEO Liza Hendriks will remain with the company as CEO, Inglis Digital USA, and be based out of Lexington, KY.

Hendriks will be joined in the venture by senior director of sales and recruitment Kyle Wilson, formerly assistant director of sales development with Keeneland. Kelly Brophey, owner of Clarity Bloodstock, will serve as director of sales operations.

“We couldn't be more delighted to announce our partnership with the esteemed auction house, Inglis,” Hendriks said.

“As we embark on this exciting journey together, I am personally thrilled to continue serving as CEO, with our newly formed team. Digital sales in the American market have already proven immensely beneficial, offering year-round trading opportunities and eliminating the need for horses to endure extensive travel for physical sales."

To view the announcement video CLICK HERE.

Entries for the first sale under the Inglis Digital USA banner will close Monday July 8. The catalogue will be released on Friday July 12, with the final countdown of bidding on Wednesday July 17.

Each monthly sale will follow the same structure – entries close on a Monday, with the sale operating from the following Friday-Wednesday.

To enter horses for the July sale and register as a bidder, visit inglisdigitalusa.com. https://vimeo.com/947161232