Q&A: Horse Racing Memorabilia Auction Manager David Wilson

Secretariat in the 1973 Kentucky Derby winner's circle. (All photos courtesy of EBTH)
Every year, people who attend the Kentucky Derby drink mint juleps and, if you're like a lot of people, you try your best to stash away the commemorative glass (without breaking it). Horse racing has long appealed to collectors of everything from glasses to goggles to good old fashioned dirt that some have been known to scoop off the track on historic racing days, like Secretariat or American Pharoah winning the Triple Crown. For readers who can relate, there's a dream opportunity to get your hands on unique racing items at auctions starting at just $1. 
Access the auction here: https://www.ebth.com/sales/12685-jewelry-fashion-collectibles-more/categ...
On Thursday, online auction site Everything But The House (EBTH), launched a special curated sale in Louisville to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. The items include chic jewelry, designer dresses and, yes, a whole lot of racing collectibles and memorabilia. The auction runs through next Wednesday, April 20. America's Best Racing's Dan Tordjman found out more about the unique racing-related sale from EBTH Global Launch Vice President, David Wilson. 
1. First off, tell us a little bit about EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE and the service you provide. 
EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE (EBTH) brings the thrill of estate sale shopping online. Through a global marketplace and community of buyers and sellers, EBTH has transformed the traditional estate sale model while preserving its fundamental charm: the excitement of discovering something special. 
Whether clients are looking to sell a collection due to downsizing, remodeling, relocation, or managing a family member’s estate, EBTH’s full service model – photography, cataloging, payment and delivery – makes the process easy (and worthwhile: proceeds are typically 3-5 times higher than a conventional estate sale). For buyers, the reach of an e-commerce platform and the starting bid of $1 for all items means they can access an impressive range of collectibles— from a watch to a Warhol– from anywhere in the world at EBTH.com.
SADDLE

2. It's an interesting concept. What inspired the idea? 
EBTH grew out of the Cincinnati antiques market, where seasoned vintage sellers, Jacquie Denny and Brian Graves, kept crossing paths and trading notes about people, the pieces they collect over a lifetime and the stories those items tell. They founded EBTH in 2007, bringing traditional estates sales online. Brothers and entrepreneurs Andy and Jon Nielsen, along with their business partner Mike Reynolds approached the pair about the potential for EBTH’s expansion and presented a plan to Brian and Jacquie for how they could partner and make the company global, staying true to a shared vision of unparalleled service powered by revolutionary technology and a love for the thrill of the hunt. Fast forward to 2016 and we’re now in 21 cities across the country with more than 200 sales a month. 
3.  What are some of the more interesting items you've found at these estates and auctioned off? 
We’ve discovered so many unique collector’s items ranging from signed Muhammad Ali boxing gloves and vintage Patek Phillippe watches to Franco Albini rattan pieces and original Murakami lithographs.
4. Let's talk a little bit about the Kentucky Derby sale. Why did you decide to do an exclusively horse-racing related auction? 
The Kentucky Derby is so integral to the spirit of Louisville and we wanted to showcase a sale that reflects a mix of Derby style and history. We know how fanatic some Derby fans are, especially when it comes to vintage collectibles, so we’re hoping everyone enjoys this specially curated auction!
VINTAGE PURSE

5. What are some of the highlights of this auction? 
We have over 250 auction items in this sale! Highlights include a striking 14k yellow gold Rolex pocket watch which gentlemen attending the Derby can accessorize with their waistcoats. We also have a collection of souvenir Kentucky Derby julep glasses from the 1960s, each with a unique design from their respective years to celebrate the race winners. Finally, no Derby party is complete without a fabulous hat. This peacock feather fascinator features black satin and an arching peacock feather coque with turquoise dancer feathers and acrylic rhinestones. 
6. Over the years, I've become a little bit of a collector (hoarder) of racing memorabilia, signed items and things along those lines. Will there be pieces like that for other similar collectors? 
Yes! We have a vintage cotton flag signed by Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero, who rode Cannonade to victory in the 1974 Kentucky Derby. Art lovers will find framed photos and lithograph prints from historic moments in horse racing and iconic images of Churchill Downs.
HISTORIC PRINTS

7. When does the auction start and end? 
The auction runs from April 14 through April 20, ending at 8 p.m. ET. 
8. What else should potential buyers know about how the auctions work, how/when to get their bids in, or anything else? 
Unlike auction houses, which pick and choose individual pieces from an estate, EBTH allows buyers to discover an entire collection. The result is access to thoughtfully put together items that reflect years of careful curation. All of our auction items start at a $1 bid and are open for seven days. 
You can easily sign up for an account on our site and begin browsing items by category and city or type in keywords to search for something specific. While logged in you can follow items you’re interested in and set a minimum and maximum bid when you’re ready. For more information head over to EBTH.com.