World record: Winx's first foal sells for eye-watering AU$10m

The filly, sired by Coolmore's champion stallion, Pierro entered the ring at 2.20pm and bidding started at AU$2m (€1.2m) and she was sold three minutes later for AU$10m (€6.1m)

WORLD BEATER: Debbie Kepitis bought the first daughter of Winx by Pierro for an amazing AU$10m to the bid of Woppitt Bloodstock. The filly will be trained by Chris Waller.

THE only living foal of champion mare Winx sold for AU$10m (€6.1m) on Monday at a Sydney auction, an Australian record for a thoroughbred yearling.

The 18-month-old filly, sired by Coolmore Stud's champion stallion Pierro, saw bidding begin at AU$2m (€1.2m) at the annual Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney, with Australian Debbie Kepitis' Woppitt Bloodstock ultimately successful, fending off interest from America, Japan and Europe.

After the sale, Tom Magnier from Coolmore Stud, which was the vendor, said it “feels like winning a Group 1”.

She drew international interest but was sold to Winx's part-owner Debbie Kepitis and her Woppitt Bloodstock. 

The horse is the most expensive thoroughbred filly ever traded in the world.

The filly, the only living foal from 25-time Group 1 winner Winx, was purchased by Woppit Bloodstock and Debbie Kepitis, who is also a part-owner of Winx.

American business tycoon John Stewart had previously promised to pay upwards of AU$9m (€5.5m) to secure the yearling but was outbid.

The bidding war exceeded AU$5m (€3m) within 30 seconds of the filly entering the sales ring, eventually becoming the first Australian yearling to sell for eight figures.

Winx was the world's top-rated turf horse ahead of her retirement in 2019 with an amazing four-year unbeaten streak, winning 33 races in a row including 25 Group 1 victories.

Champion Australian mare Winx bid farewell in 2019 by winning her 33rd race in a row, ending her glittering career on a high

She banked more than AU$26m (€15.8m) in prize money.

The sale marked an Australian record for a thoroughbred yearling, doubling the AU$5m (€5m) paid for Black Caviar's half-brother in 2013.

"I am privileged to have been able to secure this filly on behalf of my family to be able to hopefully see if she can get to the racetrack," Kepitis, a part-owner of Winx who essentially bought out her two partners, told reporters.

"She's Australian forever and she's going to be just fabulous."

Winx's trainer Chris Waller will prepare the filly for racing.

Winx lost her first foal during birth and is again pregnant, to leading sire Snitzel.