Meet the man who will sell Lot 391, AKA Winx’s first foal

Who would you trust to preside over what will arguably be the biggest racing auction in Australian history? Episode 2 of Winx: The Next Generation looks at the man tasked with selling Winx’s first foal.

When Winx’s filly walks into the sale ring next Monday, the eyes of the racing world will be on the auctioneer.

The man entrusted with selling the champion mare’s yearling filly is Jonathon D’Arcy, a stalwart of the Inglis company, who will command the stage when he calls for opening bids.

D’Arcy has been an auctioneer with Inglis for more than 30 years but can’t recall anything like the hype and media interest in the yearling filly by Pierro out of Winx that is Lot 391 in the Australian Easter Yearling Sale catalogue.

“I was fortunate enough to be involved in the sale of Makybe Diva’s first foal at the old Newmarket complex at Randwick a few years ago,’’ D’Arcy said.

“Makybe Diva was a triple Melbourne Cup winner and there was a lot of interest in her first yearling, a colt by Galileo who went for $1.5 million.

Inglis Chief Auctioneer Jonathon Darcy is the man who will sell the Winx filly. Pictures: Mews Corp

“That was a very exciting time and plenty of anticipation from the public about what that foal could make but I think it’s dwarfed by the attention and interest Winx’s filly is creating.

“Winx’s longevity on the racetrack winning 37 races meant she captured the hearts and minds of not only the racing industry, but also those once-a-year punters and there is so much anticipation with the sale of her first foal.’’

Lot 391 — the Winx filly — at Inglis' Riverside Stables at Warwick Farm.

Inglis has had inquiries about Winx’s filly from potential buyers out of America, Japan and Europe as well as local thoroughbred investors keen to buy a piece of racing history.

There is speculation the yearling filly could break all records and bring as much as $5 million when she goes into the ring early on Monday afternoon.

D’Arcy is regarded as the nation’s premier auctioneer and the obvious choice of Inglis management to sell Winx’s filly.

“I was certainly honoured and taken aback when I was told, and with that comes a little bit of pressure, to be quite honest,’’ D’Arcy said.

Mighty mare Winx, with Hugh Bowman aboard, charges to victory in the 2019 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick. Picture: AAP

Mighty mare Winx in retirement. Her first foal — a daughter of the champ, and leading sire Pierro, will arguably be the most, significant individual yearling to ever be offered for sale in the southern hemisphere.

“I get nervous at every auction but I’m very fortunate that I’m the one who will be wielding the gavel.

“Winx’s yearling has special significance for, not only Inglis, but for, I think, everyone who follows racing. It’s going to be a great honour to sell her and it’s something that I’m very much looking forward to.’’

There has been no reserve placed on Lot 391 and D’Arcy has an open mind about how he will begin the bidding process.

“The Winx filly will walk in and everyone will be watching her. A few people will hear what I have to say, but the majority will be just watching the filly and hopefully, she’ll achieve a great price,’’ he said.

“Every auction is different. Someone might start at $2 or $3 million and hopefully we might get a real bidding battle for her.’’

D’Arcy revealed he will be retiring from Inglis after the Easter Sale, a decision he made before learning he had been selected to sell Winx’s filly.

#Episode 2 of the documentary Winx: The Next Generation is out now at www.dailytelegraph.com.au