At the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney, horse racing fans witnessed an extraordinary event as the only yearling of legendary racehorse Winx sold for a record-setting PS5.2 million. Debbie Kepitis – part owner of Winx – ultimately came out victorious in a fierce bidding war to purchase it – setting a new benchmark for yearling sales at public auction in Australia as well as reigniting passion and memories tied to Winx’s legendary career.
Winx’s Legacy Continues
Winx Retires with an Outstanding Record Winx, known for her record 25 Group 1 wins and 37 wins out of 43 races, retired in 2019 having set an astounding mark with 37 victories out of 43 starts and 37 victories overall. As expected after her retirement, her progeny were eagerly anticipated; unfortunately her first foal by Pierro died soon after birth; but after one year of recovery Winx delivered Pierro’s filly in October and brought new hope and anticipation that Winx’s legacy would live on through them all.
Auction Drama
The auction was an international spectacle of intense competition, featuring bidders from around the globe competing to secure John Stewart, an influential US owner, as the dominant bidder at PS1 million (PS5.2 million). Bidding continued rapidly escalation until Kepitis delivered an winning bid of A$10 million (PS5.2 million), surpassing all rival bids and setting an Australian record price for yearlings sold at public auction.
Emotional Victory
Kepitis experienced an emotional victory at the auction when the hammer dropped on her filly, even though she hadn’t intended to buy it initially. Instead, her decision was driven by an overwhelming connection and desire to keep “Granddaughter” Winx within their family unit. Her tears of relief and joy showed just how meaningful this purchase had become not only as an investment opportunity but as well as an important heirloom of Winx’s legacy.
The Future Beckons
Kepitis and her family now care for a filly that will be trained by Chris Waller – the same trainer who guided Winx to her historic victories. Expectations are high that this filly will follow in Winx’s footsteps on the track, though Kepitis noted that simply owning and caring for this foal brought immense pride and joy to his family regardless of any future achievements for it.
Attracting Global Interest and Fostering Sportsmanship
The auction exhibited worldwide enthusiasm for Winx’s progeny, with bidders from every corner of the globe participating. John Stewart’s gracious acceptance as second highest bidder and subsequent congratulatory message underscored sportsmanship and respect found within horse racing circles, while his stated wish that she remain in Australia showed national pride while keeping the legacy of Winx alive within Australia’s borders.
Starting a New Chapter
With the purchase of Winx’s yearling comes an exciting new chapter in her extraordinary saga as a racehorse. Her filly will carry both genetic legacy and hopes of the racing community with her into training, with all eyes watching to see if she lives up to Winx’s legend and can match its greatness – no matter what success they achieve she will remain a symbol of greatness for racing enthusiasts around the globe!
Conclusion
The record-setting sale of Winx’s yearling at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale was an incredible testament to her legendary legacy as one of horse racing’s great champions. Debbie Kepitis’ emotional victory at securing the filly was an emotionally charged moment that symbolised their close bond and deep bond between horse and owner. As her training commences, people around the world eagerly anticipate whether Winx can follow in her mother’s illustrious footsteps – no matter the outcome though her story continues to charm and reminding us all about horse racing’s beauty and exhilaration!
