ONLINE auction house ThoroughBid has launched an incentive which will see Irish point-to-point graduates sold on their platform earn an extra £5,000 for their new connections if they win on their first start under rules. The bonus jumps to £10,000 if the horse comes from the British point-to-point scene.

Covering horses aged from four to six, the incentive is open to horses who have not run in any race other than an English or Irish-sanctioned point-to-point chase or point-to-point bumper. The horse earns the bonus by winning first time out on the track, excluding hunter chases, within 12 months of being sold via ThoroughBid.

The bonus will be divided between the new owner (60%), trainer (20%) and stable staff (20%).

ThoroughBid’s next auction, the first sale where the new Point2Rules Bonus will apply, is on Sunday, December 19th.

British point-to-point trainer Charlie Poste said: “I think it’s a fantastic incentive. To say to buyers that there’s a very realistic chance they can recoup a good chunk of their purchase price within 12 months is a big carrot. It’s definitely something I’ll look to support.”

Will Kinsey, co-founder of ThoroughBid, said: “In recent years the point-to-point market has seen huge growth, not only in sales but also its importance within the industry. These bonuses are borne out of ThoroughBid’s desire to support vendors and provide another avenue for them to sell their stock”

ThoroughBid recently sold Grade 1-winning hurdler Belfast Banter for £130,000.

Web: thoroughbid.co.uk