The results of the first Flanders Foal Auction of the year have a deeper meaning than the fact that the foals were sold for an average price of 25.500 euros. It is a hopeful start to a new auction year, and more importantly, a big boost for the breeders. Their work, investments and passion for breeding a fantastic jumping foal was richly rewarded on Saturday June 15.
There were plenty of overjoyed faces to be spotted at Sentower Park. Of breeders, but also buyers and everyone else who were having a good time in the buzzing ambiance in Opglabbeek. During the day there were CSI4* and CSI1* competition, which matches very well with the Flanders Foal Auction audience. As was proven by the high number of Grand Prix riders that came to buy foals. “If we do not hear back of these foals in the future, we don’t know what else to expect.”
Auctioneer Koen Olaerts started spectacularly with sales of 19.000 euros and 30.000 euros and these prices set the standard for the rest of the evening.
Full sister H&M All-In
The top price of 54.000 euros was paid for Katinka Viktory Z (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Andiamo). This foal with an excellent canter was purchased by a regular Belgian customer with a focus on breeding. The decisive factor was obviously the fact this filly is a full sister to medalist H&M All-In.
Italian buyer acquires seven foals
A new Italian customer went home with no less than seven purchase agreements. For 50.000 euros, he acquired Chiquita van WW Z (Cornet Obolensky), a beautiful daughter of the 1.60m Grand Prix mare Esquinia van Klapscheut. He purchased Elextrix Style VK Z (Ermitage Kalone) and Unlimited W (Emerald) for 32.000 euros and Comelensky T40 Z (Cornet Obolensky) for 30.000 euros.
A French buyer secured the filly Corgeena FZ (Cornet Obolensky) out of the 1.55m GP mare Geena for 44.000 euros. Elliot van Overis Z (Ermitage) out of the 1.55m GP mare Artemise du Houssoit moves to Poland for 32.000 euros.
Continuing the passion
32 out of 33 jumper foals were sold and 67% of them realized a price of over 20.000 euros. Gerald Lenaerts and Luk van Puymbroeck can hardly believe it. “This is fantastic. We are over the moon. We didn’t expect this either. I thought that the trade in general was in a bit of a dip the last six months, but there was no sign of that tonight. This gives an enormous boost to breeding. You breed quality, it pays off. The breeders who keep going are rewarded and I absolutely love that. Without breeders, no sport. Everyone needs these people and when they are financially rewarded, they can carry on their passion”, says Gerald Lenaerts.
Out of 31 sold foals, 22 found a new owner right at the venue. There was a lot of online traffic as well, but the online bidders gave up a little quicker. Six buyers placed the winning blid online. Three foals were sold over the phone.
For those unable to buy something: there will be many more opportunities. The next Flanders Foal Auction takes place at Peelbergen Equestrian Center on Saturday June 29. The newest collection will be launched in a few days: www.flandersfoalauction.be