Racing enthusiasts around the world can buy offspring of top stallions before they are born
An innovative concept is enabling Thoroughbred enthusiasts to buy future stars of the racetrack via the internet – before their dams have even given birth to them.
The online unborn foal auction is the brainchild of Thoroughbred industry specialists Niall Power and Damien Antico and is being run in association with service provider Yahoo Australia & NZ.
“Selling unborn foals is an established industry practise in Japan,” explains Niall Power of Sydney-based EquineUnited. “By setting up an online auction facility we are bringing a proven concept to a far wider market.”
The first-ever online auction of unborn Thoroughbred foals took place recently, including the unborn progeny of some of the world’s top racing sires such as:
- Fusaichi Pegasus, the world’s most expensive stallion
- Zabeel, one of Australasia’s most successful stallions
- Carnegie, winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
- Phone Trick, a leading American stallion
Details and photographs of the sire and dam were displayed on the site and an email link to each breeder allowed further questions.
The auction saw only six of the 46 lots available sold with the vast majority failing to reach their reserve price. The top price achieved was 40,000 Australia dollars. Most of the bidders were based in Australia and New Zealand.
Niall remains positive and believes the concept will become increasingly popular in time. Another auction is planned before the end of the year.
“We’re opening a new market entry point for people who have traditionally bought yearlings, usually at traditional live sales. Now they can become yearling sellers, and potentially make substantial profits on the cost of their unborn foal,” he says.
To find out more visit www.unbornfoalauction.com
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