The final session of the Inglis Digital May (Late) Online Sale closed with a burst of high-end trade, headlined by a well-bred mare set for a new chapter at one of the Hunter Valley’s most recognised nurseries. Interest across mares, racehorses and young prospects ensured steady demand through the closing stages, with buyers active across domestic and international markets.
Inglis Digital May Late Sale results
Fiorenza (Kingman) emerged as the standout transaction of the session after being secured by Arrowfield for $325,000, with immediate retirement confirmed and a breeding appointment to Lead Artist scheduled for the upcoming season.
The five-year-old mare, initially passed in for Mark Towell’s GT Park Spelling Farm, later found agreement late in the evening, bringing her racing journey to a close and opening a new chapter in the paddocks of the Hunter Valley.
Speaking after the sale, Towell acknowledged the importance of timing and market alignment.
“At the end of the day you’ve got to meet the market and they find their value and she’s found hers and we’re really happy,” he said.
He also praised the efforts behind the scenes, crediting the sales team for guiding the process from listing through to final negotiations.
Arrowfield’s decision was strongly influenced by pedigree depth, with Fiorenza being a half-sister to four-time Group 1 winner In Italian, a family line that continues to carry international weight.
Arrowfield, a leading breeding operation in the Hunter Valley, confirmed the mare will join its broodmare band with a specific plan in mind.
“We were very happy to buy her, we liked the family and recognise its international appeal,” said Jon Freyer.
“I’d seen the half sister race in America a few times and held her in high regard so we were keen to get her.
“She’s a mare we bought to go to Lead Artist, he’s obviously by Dubawi and she’s a Kingman mare and we think Kingman mares will suit him well.”
The transaction added further depth to a catalogue that also featured strong interest in racing colts and broodmare prospects.
Second highest on the board was West of Swindon (Wootton Bassett), a Group 2-winning three-year-old colt, which realised $310,000 in a deal struck with Hong Kong-based Pure Bloodstock.
Offered by Ciaron Maher on behalf of his connections, the colt drew widespread attention from both domestic and overseas buyers before final placement was confirmed.
Will Bourne said the result reflected the quality of the horse and the strength of the marketing campaign.
“We’re thrilled with the result. There were substantial enquiries in the lead-up to the sale,” he said.
“There was significant domestic and international interest, which I think is thoroughly deserved because I have no doubt there’s a strong future on the racetrack for West of Swindon still.”
The colt’s next phase is expected to unfold in Hong Kong, where competition often attracts proven international performers.
Further down the order, broodmare Queen Ouija, in foal to Alabama Express, changed hands for $120,000, purchased by Ridgeport’s Santo Guagliardo.
Offered by Rikki McDonald, the mare’s sale was met with satisfaction after a smooth listing and marketing process.
“I’m thrilled,” McDonald said.
She also credited the support received throughout the transaction, noting the guidance provided during the digital sale process helped streamline communication with buyers and ensured strong exposure.
Across the catalogue, the sale underlined the continued strength of the online format, with total turnover reaching $2,951,500 and consistent demand across all sections.
Organisers confirmed that entries are now open for the next instalment, with the Inglis Digital June (Early) Sale scheduled to run from June 5 to 10, and submissions closing at midnight on June 3.
Among early highlights already confirmed is G3 winner La Mexicana, who will be offered in foal to Too Darn Hot, adding early anticipation to the upcoming catalogue.
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