$5m hope as Winx filly hype erupts

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

The man entrusted with selling Winx’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.

“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.’’

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

There is speculation the yearling filly could 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 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.

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

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

“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.