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Wanamaker's announced its rebranding as Inglis Digital USA following the acquisition of a majority share in the company on 22nd May by the Australian auction house William Inglis & Son.
Since June 2020, Wanamaker's has been a key player in the North American online Thoroughbred auction market, organizing monthly auctions for horses of all ages. Additionally, the company has partnered with organizations in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey to conduct state-bred specific auctions.
Liza Hendriks, the co-founder of Wanamaker's, will continue her role as CEO of Inglis Digital USA, based in Lexington.
"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 has already proven immensely beneficial, offering year-round trading opportunities and eliminating the need for horses to endure extensive travel for physical sales."
Hendriks will be partnering with Kyle Wilson, who previously served as assistant director of sales development at Keeneland, to lead the venture's sales and recruitment efforts. Additionally, Kelly Brophey, the owner of Clarity Bloodstock, will take on the role of director of sales operations.
Inglis, the largest and most established Thoroughbred auction company in Australia, has a rich history in the digital realm. The company has conducted online sales for seven years, presenting an average of 300 horses every two weeks and generating over AU$90 million in annual revenue.
"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," said Mark Webster, managing director of Inglis. "Never before have racing jurisdictions felt so connected or empowered.
"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," he continued. "I'm therefore delighted to announce our investment in the world's largest Thoroughbred market via Wanamaker's and the upcoming launch of Inglis Digital USA."
The deadline for entries for the inaugural sale under the Inglis Digital USA banner is 8th July. The catalog will be available on 12th July, and the sale of horses will take place on 17th July, with monthly sales to come thereafter.
Changes have been made to the commission rate structure, with a 5% commission on sales, 3.5% commission on sales of $100,000 or more, and no commission on RNAs.