Inglis secures USA digital footprint with Wanamaker’s acquisition

Inglis will make a foray into the North American bloodstock market after buying the online auction house Wanamaker’s.

In an expansion of an online selling platform that has been running for seven years in Australia, its American venture will be known as Inglis Digital USA.

Wanamaker’s has been at the cutting edge of digital thoroughbred sales in America since 2020, offering monthly auctions.

“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,’’ Inglis managing director Mark Webster said.

“During my time as managing director of Inglis … I have witnessed the rapid globalisation 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.’’

“I have witnessed the rapid globalisation of thoroughbred racing, breeding, and, of course, trading and never before have racing jurisdictions felt so connected or empowered.” – Mark Webster

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, and the final countdown of bidding will be on Wednesday, July 17.

Since creating its digital arm in 2016, Inglis has offered an average of 300 horses on a bi-monthly basis, grossing more than $90 million annually.

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

Among the notable horses to change hands through the Wanamaker’s platform was Fiya, who sold for $US400,000 in July 2020 and went on to become a multiple Stakes winner.

The connections of Bandonarun parlayed an impressive allowance score at Laurel Park into a $US330,000 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 chief executive Liza Hendriks will remain with the company as CEO, Inglis Digital USA.

She will be based out of Lexington in Kentucky and 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.”

Inglis’ expansion comes after Keeneland has also tapped into an Australian connection to offer online trading in 2020.

Keeneland developed the Digital Sales Ring platform together with Kentucky-based technology company Horseco, using technology utilised by Magic Millions.