The Flanders Embryo Auction on January 18 promises to be a remarkable event. The team from Flanders Foal Auction will host its eighth auction in the United Arab Emirates that day, but that’s not the most impressive aspect. “We’ve gone all out to convince people on-site and online to participate in the bidding,” say Luk Van Puymbroeck and Gerald Lenaerts. The venue is the prestigious Al Shira’aa Horse Show at a brand-new equestrian facility in Abu Dhabi, where Saturday evening is dedicated to the embryo auction.
“Over the years, the auction has gained increasing appreciation among the Arabs, and embryos we auctioned earlier are now competing successfully in classes for six- and seven- year-olds. Their enthusiasm continues to grow, which is, of course, why we keep coming back. However, they also demand the best, and we’ve worked even harder to meet their expectations this year. Our embryo collection is unprecedented,” promise the Belgians.
96.5% Sales Rate
Flanders Foal Auction reflects on an exceptionally successful auction year. Out of 174 foals, 168 were sold (and promptly paid for), achieving a sales rate of 96.5%. The average price per foal across five auctions was €24,705. The four embryo auctions achieved an average price of €20,620.
Eight Embryos from Grand Prix Mares
The auction’s success attracts breeders and riders with exceptional mares. “The selection process for the Abu Dhabi auction was once again extensive. We’ve selected 22 embryos from 13 different sires. Eight are directly out of Grand Prix mares competing at 1.60m, 1.65m and even 1.70m levels. Ten dams already gave 1.60m Grand Prix horses. Of the 22 granddams, 18 gave Grand Prix horses at 1.60m or 1.70m level,” explains Gerald Lenaerts. The foals born in 2025 will thus have extraordinary pedigrees. “They are incredibly intriguing. We hope to welcome many attendees, both physically and online. We’re looking forward to it, also to follow the sport, as riders in the Emirates continue to grow stronger. The Paris Olympics are a great example. For the first time since 2008, they had a team at the start, and 21-year-old Omar Al Marzooqi finished in the top 20 individually with Enjoy de la Mure, owned by the Al Shira’aa Stables.”
Highlights
When asked about the highlights of the upcoming Flanders Embryo Auction, Gerald Lenaerts and Luk Van Puymbroeck pause briefly. “There are so many!” they say enthusiastically. “But let’s mention the Mylord Carthago out of HH Azur, the world’s top-earning mare under McLain Ward, with over four million euros in winnings. We have a United Touch out of Gancia de Muze, who earned over two million euros in prize money. There’s an Emerald out of the Olympic mare Sancha LS, herself a daughter of the 1.60m Grand Prix winner Sonora la Silla.”
“We’re also thrilled with the Monte Bellini x Linton, a full sister to the 1.70m Grand Prix mare Mila ridden by Ludger Beerbaum. Mila has won 2.2 million euros in prize money and claimed team silver at the 2023 European Championships in Milan with Eoin McMahon. And what about the Chacco Blue out of the same dam as Leone Jei, ridden by Martin Fuchs?
Together, they have already amassed an impressive €3.6 million in winnings and recently triumphed in the prestigious Rolex Top 10 Final in Geneva. Take a look at the collection—there are true gems among them. It’s going to be a special foaling season for the buyers.” www.flandersfoalauction.be
Source: Flanders Foal & Embryo Auction
Photos: © Flanders Foal & Embryo Auction
