Posted: 22nd June 2015 | Back to news feed
Bolesworth's ground-breaking elite sport horse auction enjoyed a command performance under the Friday night floodlights at Bolesworth Castle amid unprecedented scenes in British equestrian sport.
It was the first time that an auction had been combined with an international showjumping show in the United Kingdom, with Ashford Farm CSI**** Bolesworth International owner Nina Barbour launching the unique concept of auctioning sport horse yearlings.
The 12 yearlings - all potential top sports horse prospects for showjumping - were selected from leading producers and breeders in the UK and mainland Europe, including Stal Hendrix, Ashford Farm Sport Horses/Eric Levallois, Harthill Stud, Billy Stud and Davenport Stables.
And the auction delivered a remarkable outcome, with total sales hitting £196,500 at an average per horse of £16,375.
Chestnut colt Elvis topped the chart through a successful bid of £30,500 as guests packed the Bolesworth VIP hospitality area, including top riders, breeders and customers.
Ashford Farm manager Enda Carroll was closely involved in detailed preparations for the auction, and he hailed it as an outstanding success.
"We didn't know which way it was going to go, but it was just an outstanding evening," he said. "It doubled our expectations.
"We expected them to make good money, and we are thrilled they made the prices they made. Most importantly for us, there were great references for us from people Geir Gulliksen, John Hales and Daniel Bluman. This is how this auction is going to take off. Who we sell to is very important.
"For sure, this will continue. The vibe in the room was fantastic, and to have people like Paul Hendrix and Eric Levallois there was amazing.
An official preview parade took place earlier in the day, and excitement was high when the auction, sponsored by IFX International Foreign Exchange, began under the expert direction of auctioneer Andrew Nolan, of Goffs, in association with Wright Marshall.
Among the audience was Paul Hendrix, who runs the internationally-renowned jumping and trading yard Stal Hendrix with his brother Emile in Holland, where their business of trading stable, stud, breeding, events and training thrives. Their clients include the likes of Nick Skelton, Laura Kraut and Ian Millar.
Hendrix flew in from Holland especially for the auction, and he said: "This is a new thing that has been set up. Nina is crossing borders with the show and Bolesworth, and with the sale of the yearlings.
"The way Nina has done it is the proper way to do it. A show like this one is one that people speak about on the continent. The concept is great, and the show has all the ability to go on and become a very big event."
Bolesworth Elite Auction Sale: Lot 1 - El Tigre (Ashford Farm/Eric Levallois) £23,000; Lot 2 - Elton (Ashford Farm/Eric Levallois) £11,000; Lot 3 - Elvis (Ashford Farm/Eric Levallois) £30,500; Lot 4 - Eritela (Ashford Farm/Eric Levallois) £12,000; Lot 5 - Billy Limoncello (Billy Stud) £18,000; Lot 6 - Billy Arctic (Billy Stud) £14,000; Lot 8 - One Attraction (Davenport Stables) £11,000; Lot 9 - Jackson V (Stal Hendrix) £11,000; Lot 10 - Jumping Jewel I (Stal Hendrix) £14,000; Lot 11 - Harthill Magician (Harthill Stud) £20,000; Lot 12 - Kilbracken Blue Jay (Harthill Stud) £21,000; Lot 13 - Harthill Imp (Harthill Stud) £11,000.
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