As the expression goes, “For one to fly, one needs only to take the reins”. This was the case for the industrious duo of Francesca Snaith and Gina Goldsmith, the founders of equine insurance specialist Winx Brokers.
One seldom gets to talk about exciting news in the insurance world.
Finding the words ‘excitement’ and ‘insurance’ in the same sentence is as rare as breeding a Triple Crown winner! That said, the entrance of Winx Brokers into the equine insurance sector is newsworthy for numerous reasons.
Francesca and Gina’s business is named after Winx, possibly the world’s greatest-ever mare, with 37 wins, including 25 Group One races to her credit.
Champion and a modern legend – Winx (Pic – Supplied)
Both Gina and Francesca have a longstanding association with the horseracing industry.
Francesca, a seasoned insurance executive focused on short-term insurance, collaborated with Gina to commence the equine division of Goodsure Brokers.
The rapid growth in this division led to Francesca and Gina’s decision to separate this business from Goodsure through a management buyout so that it could function as a dedicated, standalone operation under their exclusive ownership and leadership.
And so Winx Brokers was born.
Partners in providence – Francesca Snaith and Gina Goldsmith (Pic – Winx)
No doubt, it has been a busy period for the Winx team, with the launch of a new business, the opening of new offices, multiple yearlings and ready-to-run sales, the launch of a new Sports Horse insurance division, and the impending launch of the Owner Administration division.
Activity for the Winx crew will not be letting up anytime soon, with the BSA 2024 KZN Yearling Sale just days away.
When asked about the new Sporting Horse division, Francesca explained: “Gina and I have been in and around horse racing for a long time. The Sporting Horse world was a logical next step for us. We convinced Tamara to join Team Winx, and we are now out the gates with our Sporting Horse offering at a rapid pace!”
The ‘Tamara’ that Francesca is referring to is Tamara Rueda, one of this country’s leading show jumpers.
When asked about her new role, Tamara added, “The energy and passion that Francesca and Gina have for Winx is infectious – I could not pass up on the opportunity to be a part of its growth and evolution.”
The famed Pfeiffer silks are worn by Karl Neisius, seen here after his win in the 1991 Durban July with the champion Flaming Rock (Pic – Supplied)
Tamara is the granddaughter of renowned racehorse owner Shirley Pfeiffer, who owned Flaming Rock and many others – a venerable racing dynasty. Interestingly, Flaming Rock won the 1991 Rothman’s Durban July and was trained by Francesca’s father-in-law, Chris Snaith.
As for the Owner Administration division, Gina explained that this is a critical next step in providing a full-service platform for Winx’s clients.
“We could not offer this service without experienced, knowledgeable and well-regarded professionals at the helm. We are exceptionally fortunate that Jo Knowles is coming on board to spearhead this effort. Dealing with owners, trainers and horse sales is second nature to Jo, and we cannot think of anyone more suited to run this business unit.”
We asked Francesca and Gina about their plans and goals for the future.
Gina explained that Winx’s mantra is to always put the client first and be available 24/7/365 to provide the best customer service possible.
Francesca added that based on the depth of Winx’s client relationships and her background in short-term insurance, it is a logical next step for Winx to provide all short-term insurance (and not just equine) to their clients.
South Africa has very few exclusively female-owned (and staffed) insurance firms. But we doubt too many people will be betting against Winx’s success.
First as Goodsure Equine and now as Winx, Gina and Francesca have rapidly built a sizable presence in the equine insurance market from a standing start. In speaking with the Winx team, the excitement is palpable.
Gina’s hoping for big things from Oriental Charm in the Hollywoodbets Durban July (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Gina, no doubt, is doubly excited as her horse Oriental Charm – owned in partnership with Leon Ellman and Greg Bortz – will be contesting arguably South Africa’s greatest race, the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July. Oriental Charm is currently priced up at 7/1 with Hollywoodbets.
If Oriental Charm can run with the same determination and focus as Gina and Francesca, who knows…he might just be a serious runner! We hope he is insured!
Details of the Winx offering, together with all contact information, can be obtained at www.winxbrokers.co.za or by contacting Francesca Snaith ([email protected]) or Gina Goldsmith ([email protected]) directly.
