A leader in the online thoroughbred auction field, bloodstockauction.com is excited and proud to announce the expansion of its successful business model into the United States.
Operating in Australia since 2014 and New Zealand since 2016, Bloostockauction.com has seen more than 13,000 horses change hands through its online platform, and currently has 14,000 registered buyers and sellers enjoying the convenience of increasing or decreasing their equine portfolios without having to leave their desk!
With their weekly catalogues live and open for bidding for five days, vendors have time to promote their horses whilst buyers have time to do their research, including arranging any inspections or veterinary checks.
Since their first auction in late 2014, Bloodstockauction.com has gone from strength to strength with highlights including the sale of stakes winner Jyoti, the sale of the outstanding broodmare prospect Readycatgo for $210,600, and the sale of the Group one winning stallion Warhorse for $275,000.
If that wasn’t enough, Bloodstockauction.com also runs an annual online stallion cover charity auction, which raises over $100,000 each year for Ronald McDonald House.
Director of Bloodstockauction.com, Mr Anthony Gafa, always had the ambition to take his online auction platform to the United States... a market extremely passionate and enthusiastic about its breeding and horse racing, just like Australia. Bloodstockauction.com has been planning the launch its platform in the US for some time, however, given the current climate around COVID-19 Mr Gafa believes that Bloodstockauction.com can really be of assistance to the US thoroughbred industry in providing a tried and tested online solution.
So why does bloodstockauction.com work so well?
It’s a reliable service that is easy to use, one which suits those looking to obtain the best possible price for their horse by drastically increasing the buying base (both domestically and internationally) far beyond the traditional sales ring. Costs are kept down as there is no shipping to a sale, and no staffing required. The horse remains at home until the change of hands is confirmed, which is much safer and easier for everyone involved.
It is inevitable that online auctions will become a part of thoroughbred sales markets worldwide, and Bloodstockauction is confident of making its mark in the United States where its operation will be overseen by the impressively qualified Mindy Powell-Hodges.
Boasting extensive horse racing industry experience across the world, Powell-Hodges has been CEO of the Townsville Turf Club, General Manager of Cape Falls Thoroughbreds, Director of Hodgewell Farm and Director of the UAE Equestrian & Racing Federation - as well as being the first woman in America to hold the executive position of Track Superintendent (at Philadelphia Park).
During her seven years in the UAE (approached by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan) Powell-Hodges helped in the development and promotion of Arabian racing locally and internationally; leading to recognition across Europe including sponsorship of the French Derby.
Powell-Hodges' business acumen makes her an ideal fit for Bloodstockauction.com. We asked her why she believes the time is right for online auctions in the US.
Why did you approach Bloodstockauction.com and want to get involved?
When they launched six years ago I thought what a ridiculous idea! Who in their right mind would essentially eBay their horse? After watching the first auction I realized I was very much mistaken. I could see that this revolutionized the selling of horses. Not having to ship your horse to the sales, putting the horse on the market when the horses are ready or when you just absolutely needed to sell a horse for whatever the circumstances, you are no longer tied to a calendar which may not suit. This is a company that is tried and tested and it is a dream to be part of a solution to an industry need.
How do you believe that the US market & industry participants will benefit?
Firstly the ease with which you can market, sell and buy a horse. The horse is visible globally. There are enormous cost savings. The risks of shipping the horse to a sale complex - sickness or injury, all of these elements are all reduced.
What opportunities do you see within the US for both the brand as well as users of the service?
It's quite simple, the opportunities are vast. If we take the current state of play across the world, what outlets do we have to sell or buy horses other than traditional sales or a classified ad in an industry magazine or paper? The platform offers unprecedented exposure to a local, national and international buying bench using tools such as video, photos, catalogue pedigree, comments and descriptions from the trainers, breeder and owners. This platform provides the industry with the ability to conduct a traditional sale with the conveniences of modern technology.
The first US catalogue will be live from 7:00pm US Eastern Time on Thursday 7th May 2020. The Final Countdown will commence at 7:00pm US Eastern Time on Tuesday 12th May 2020, at which time each lot will enter into a ‘Virtual Sales Ring’ at one minute intervals... the online version of going under the hammer.
Members of the US horse industry are encouraged to visit us at www.bloodstockauction.com and register to become a member, it’s free to join.
