Online auction house Wanamaker's sells $400,000 gelding

With traditional Thoroughbred auctions worldwide adjusting to new practices due to the coronavirus pandemic, a number of stand-alone online auction companies have emerged to provide another market outlet. Among those is Wanamaker’s, which made a splash as its July sale closed this week, with the 3-year-old gelding Fiya selling for $400,000 to lead the way.

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Fiya, by Maryland sire Friesan Fire, was purchased by Robert Masiello from the consignment of owner-breeder Ann Merryman at Wanamaker’s. The gelding led seven horses sold in the auction, the company’s second monthly sale, with 12 others failing to meet reserves.

Fiya ran twice last year, finishing third and second in a pair of maiden-claiming races at Laurel Park. This year, he returned to action with a victory in a June 26 maiden-claiming race at Laurel, winning by five lengths and earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 82. In his next outing, he was a three-length allowance winner on July 17, earning a 98 Beyer.

Fiya is the first winner out of the winning Two Punch mare Sista.