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| Staff Writer |
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ThoroughBid, the digital auction platform, is gearing up for a landmark sale with the Paul Wildes Dispersal on Sunday, 13th October. A notable event for the industry, the sale will feature four of Wildes' most promising horses-in-training. The line-up is headlined by unbeaten Minnie Wildes, alongside recent Chester victor Stapleford Park, the consistent 2YO filly Cressida Wildes, and the Holy Roman Emperor gelding Way to Dubai.
The dispersal comes at a time of change for owner Paul Wildes, who is stepping back from racing after a 12-year involvement in the sport. His decision is driven by shifting priorities, with family commitments taking centre stage. Wildes expressed his mixed emotions, stating:
“I’ve been in horse racing for around 12 years, and this is certainly one of the nicest strings of horses I’ve had running in my colours."
The collection of four horses is being offered exclusively through ThoroughBid. Wildes has confidence in the platform, noting that its bespoke approach allows for the right story to be told and proper promotion to be achieved.
Among the headline acts is Minnie Wildes, a novice stakes winner at Newcastle. Trained by Charlie Fellowes, she remains unbeaten in two starts, including an impressive victory on soft ground at Ffos Las. Fellowes had long held Minnie Wildes in high regard, and her performances have lived up to the stable’s high expectations. Her dominance at Newcastle solidified her status as one of the most exciting prospects in the dispersal.
Another strong contender is Stapleford Park, who broke his maiden at Chester, a course favoured by Wildes for years. Known for his enigmatic form, he has recently found his stride, and Fellowes is optimistic about his future over seven furlongs. “He got the trip really well when winning at Chester on his last start despite being wide throughout,” Wildes remarked.
The filly Cressida Wildes, yet to find her first victory, has shown promise in several starts. Wildes remains confident in her future, citing her near-misses against high-quality opposition. Her development into a 3YO is eagerly anticipated.
Lastly, Way to Dubai, an 85-rated gelding, represents a seasoned competitor. Rated on a favourable mark, Wildes believes the horse is ready to break through soon.
This dispersal follows several successful bespoke “On-Demand” sales handled by ThoroughBid, including those for Judy Craymer, Baycliffe Farm, and the Beswick Brothers. The online auction house continues to build a reputation for flexibility and personalisation in the sale of racehorses. Its innovative approach has attracted both seasoned and emerging players within the bloodstock industry.
The upcoming sale coincides with ThoroughBid’s introduction of a 5% Agent’s Commission on horses bought for US$24,000 or more, an initiative designed to incentivise bloodstock agents and trainers. James Richardson, CEO of ThoroughBid, expressed his excitement: “It’s great to be offering a quartet of exciting horses in this bespoke ‘On-Demand’ sale. Instead of putting them into a wider, more general sale, we’re able to make this a bespoke one-off auction and hope to attract plenty of interest.”
The dispersal comes just a few years after similar high-profile events that left a mark on the racing calendar. Past dispersal sales have produced notable stars who went on to excel in prestigious Gr.1 and Gr.2 races, highlighting the potential value hidden within these sales. The likes of Enable and Ghaiyyath, both Gr.1 winners, were products of similar circumstances, demonstrating the future successes that can emerge from such auctions.
As ThoroughBid continues to evolve, this sale of Wildes’ prized horses stands as a significant moment in the platform's journey. With the racing world watching, these four horses-in-training are set to command substantial attention from buyers seeking a future star.
While Wildes laments the necessity of parting with these horses, his rationale is clear. His personal life has shifted, with family commitments now taking precedence over race days. The dispersal marks the end of an era for Wildes’ involvement in the sport, but his influence will continue through the next generation of owners and trainers who acquire these horses.
As the bidding takes place from 9am to 12pm on Sunday, 13th October, buyers will not only be vying for quality racehorses but also for a piece of Wildes’ legacy.