William Inglis & Son Buys Major Interest in Wanamaker's

Wanamaker's announced May 22 it has relaunched as Inglis Digital USA after the Australian auction house William Inglis & Son purchased a majority share in the company.

Wanamaker's has been at the forefront of the North American online Thoroughbred auction market, conducting monthly auctions for horses of all ages since June 2020. The company also has conducted state-bred specific auctions in conjunction with organizations in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Liza Hendriks, co-founder of Wanamaker's, will remain with the company 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 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. 

Inglis, Australia's largest and longest-running Thoroughbred auction company, has a deep history in the digital space. The company has hosted online sales for seven years with an average of 300 horses offered every two weeks, grossing more than AU$90 million per year.

"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."

Entries for the first sale under the Inglis Digital USA banner will close July 8. The catalog will be released July 12, and horses will sell July 17, with monthly sales to follow.

The commission rate structure has changed to 5% commission on sales, 3.5% commission on sales $100,000 or more, and no commission on RNAs. 

To enter horses for the July sale and register as a verified bidder, visit inglisdigitalusa.com.