Smart purchases at Flanders Embryo Auction
The auctioning of embryos by Flanders Foal Auction marked the conclusion of the indoor season on Saturday evening, February 1.
After the final international showjumping class of the day in Oudsbergen, Louis De Cleene took up the auction hammer and sold 18 embryos at an average price of €15,200.
Compared to last year’s average of €17,000 at Sentower Park, this represents a decrease, but Luk Van Puymbroeck and Gerald Lenaerts reflect positively on the evening. “One thing is certain: people here and online have made smart purchases. The foals will be born soon and they will do well with them,” they say.
Of the 24 embryos in the catalogue, all announced by the enthusiastic German commentator Henner Hoeschen, 18 were sold. “The majority went to returning customers from both home and abroad who once again showed their trust by investing. Because the prices were attractive, they even bought more than initially planned.”
67% sold on-site
With twelve embryos sold at Sentower Park itself, 67% were purchased on-site. Two changed hands via telephone, while the rest were sold online.
“Online sales remain very important for us, even during the foal auctions, but attending in person is still the strength of the Flanders auctions. We have had an incredible season with very successful embryo auctions in Slovakia (€19,750 average) and, two weeks ago, in Abu Dhabi (€27,222 average), where the atmosphere was fantastic. We do not rule out adding another international location next year.”
The embryo auction at Sentower Park maintained a steady price level. The auction topper, selling for €28,000, was an Ermitage Kalone x Vagabond de la Pomme, bred out of the same dam as Thibeau Spits’ 1.60m Grand Prix horse Impress-K van het Kattenheye Z.
Following at €20,000 was an Emerald offspring out of the 1.50m Grand Prix mare Kirby de Muze, daughter of Nabab de Rêve and Heroine de Muze (1.60m GP).
Meynaerts family
A Heartbreaker embryo out of Emerald’s full sister sold for €19,000. Laurens Meynaerts of Sentower Park was not only a seller with this one but also a buyer, as he and his parents purchased three embryos.
“Events are our main business, but we always like to buy at the Flanders auctions. The pedigrees are excellent and we have had great success with them. This weekend, a seven-year-old by Canturano competed internationally here, and it seems to be an outstanding horse. It was also bought at the Flanders Foal Auction. Over the years, we have built a strong partnership and we look forward to the summer season with the foal auctions.”
Flanders Foal Auction 2025 schedule:
- June 14 – Foals – Sentower Park (BEL)
- June 28 – Foals – Peelbergen (NED)
- July 26 – Foals – Holger Hetzel Stables (GER)
- August 8 – Embryos – Intercontinental Hotel Dublin (IRL)
- August 9 – Foals – Sentower Park (BEL)
- September 20 – Foals – Sentower Park (BEL)
