In today's instalment of 2024/2025 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Liza Hendriks, CEO at Inglis Digital USA.
Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding related - for 2024?
Liza Hendriks: This year, my favorite racing moments were doing the Breeders’ Cup and Melbourne Cup double. Both events stand out as incredible raceday experiences, though they’re so different in style. The Breeders’ Cup is a celebration of top-tier global competition, while the Melbourne Cup brings its own unique flair with Australia’s unmistakable energy. Experiencing the pinnacle of both worlds was unforgettable.
Liza Hendriks | Image courtesy of Inglis Digital USA
Favourite non-racing moment?
LH: Partnering with Inglis and rebranding our company from Wanamaker’s to Inglis Digital USA. It marked the next chapter in our journey and solidified our place as a global player in the thoroughbred auction space. Seeing our vision come to life on such a large scale was incredibly rewarding.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
LH: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever heard is, “Don’t be afraid to fail; be afraid not to try.” It’s a constant reminder that taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone is where growth happens. Failure is often the best teacher, and even when things don’t go as planned, the experience and lessons learned are invaluable.
Which first-season sires' progeny are you most excited to see hit the track?
LH: I’m particularly excited about Yaupon’s progeny. He was amazing to watch on the track, and I’ll never forget his epic stretch duel with Firenze Fire in the Forego Stakes—including the unforgettable moment when Firenze Fire tried to bite him! On a personal note, my mother, Elizabeth Merryman, has a mare in foal to Yaupon, so I’ll have an extra reason to cheer for them.
Yaupon | Standing at Spendthrift Farm
Which yearling purchase in 2023 are you most excited about?
LH: I’m excited about Aperitif, a New York-bred filly we purchased with a group of family and friends. There’s something special about having a shared investment in a horse, especially when you’re doing it with people you care about.
Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?
LH: Jack Gilligan. He’s a former jockey who’s now working with us at Inglis Digital USA as a recruiter. His first recruit, West Saratoga, recently sold for $375,000. Jack’s ability to transition from riding to the business side of the industry with such success is inspiring, and his eye for talent is already proving invaluable.
Favourite day at a racecourse?
LH: Caravel’s victory in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at odds of 43-1. That day was deeply personal for me: she was owned by my now-fiancé and bred by my mother, Elizabeth Merryman. Caravel is the horse that brought us together, and to make it even more special, she’s out of a free mare that my mom still owns and continues to breed from. It’s a story that highlights the magic of this sport.
Caravel (USA) | Image courtesy of Breeders' Cup
If you had $10 million to invest in an industry initiative, what would it be and why?
LH: I would invest in Amplify. Supporting children’s programs and mentorship initiatives is crucial for securing the future of our industry. By engaging young people early and providing them with hands-on experiences, we can ensure a steady pipeline of passionate and informed individuals ready to take the reins of the sport.
If you could change one thing about the perception of horse racing, what would it be?
LH: I would focus on changing how people perceive the treatment of horses. The reality is that these animals are exceptionally well cared for by people who deeply love and respect them. If we can bridge the gap between perception and reality, it would do wonders for the industry’s image.
