The Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection: a unique opportunity to turn breeding ambitions and sporting dreams into reality
On the evening of Thursday, August 29th, the jumping arena at the Brussels Stephex Masters in Wolvertem will be transformed into a vibrant auction space. The stars of the night: 17 exceptional foals, all descending from the most legendary sport bloodlines.
The Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection is a unique auction organized by Stephex—one of the world’s most successful competition stables—in collaboration with the renowned breeding farms Haras De La Pomme and Stal Kattenheye. The organizers aim to give everyone the opportunity to build success in breeding or sport, using the genetics of their famous champion mares.
The best possible start in life
Every year, Tom Kerkhofs from Stephex heads to Normandy, where the Pommex foals (Stephex x Haras De La Pomme) are born. Tom says, “It’s simply wonderful to see our foals and top mares grazing peacefully in the vast pastures. It’s no coincidence that Geert Baertsoen is a top breeder. The foals get the best possible start in life, even long before they are born. He closely monitors the artificial insemination process, which is entirely carried out on the farm. The careful selection of surrogate mothers, the royal treatment of our sport mares, the natural upbringing of their offspring—nothing is left to chance.”
This year, Geert, Tom, and Stephan Conter, with the help of Filip Van Assche and Christoph Schwieters, selected their 15 favorite foals for the auction. Additionally, the collection is complemented by two exceptional foals from Stal Kattenheye, the breeding farm of Tony and Mieke Raman, with whom Stephex has successfully collaborated for several years.
Breeders, stallion owners, and competition stables
The 17-foal collection is incredibly diverse, but each foal boasts prestigious bloodlines, a stunning appearance, and movements that will blow you away. Tom says, “For breeders who want to start with the best possible lineage or introduce new bloodlines, it can be challenging to acquire valuable mares. Thanks to the Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection, they now have eight opportunities, as that’s how many mares we’re auctioning this year. We also see many stallion owners participating in the bidding, recognizing the potential of our foals as the future sires. For riders and investors, our auction is a prime opportunity as well. Buying a fully trained top horse is unaffordable for most, but our foals are much more financially accessible. And with their lineage, the chances are high that they’ll grow into true champions.”
Jeunesse van’t Paradijs
Last year, Jeunesse van’t Paradijs (Emerald x Heartbreaker) produced the auction topper Crunchy Pommex Z. This stunningly moving Catoki foal was sold to a new owner for an impressive €68,000. Jeunesse is an exceptional mare, well-remembered for her sporting career with Lorenzo de Luca and Petronella Andersson. This year, her fans have two chances to acquire a beautiful filly: Carioca Pommex Z (by Comme Il Faut) and Miss Castelle Pommex Z (by Mylord Carthago).
Narcotique De Muze II
Kracotte Z (by Kannan), who produced the auction topper in 2022, is one of the last direct descendants of the legendary Narcotique De Muze II (by Darco x Chin Chin). Although it may seem impossible to build a legacy as remarkable as her mother’s, Kracotte is well on her way to following in those footsteps. This year, she was paired with Heartbreaker (resulting in Hohneck Pommex Z, a colt) and Comme Il Faut (resulting in Capriccio Pommex Z, a colt). These foals are primed for success, with sharpness and a winning mindset in their blood.
Espyrante
Although Espyrante’s career ended six years ago, many will still remember this stunning chestnut mare. With her incredible fighting spirit, she achieved numerous victories under Eiken Sato, Daniel Deusser, and Emilie Conter.
Espyrante is a daughter of Obourg (by Richebourg), who is a son of one of the greatest broodmares of all time, Opaline Des Pins. Opaline also produced notable offspring such as Jus De Pomme, Shogoun II, and Quintus.
This year, Espyrante presents two foals in the auction: Galileo Pommex Z (a colt by Grandorado TN) and Elickova Pommex Z. The sire of Elickova is none other than the current global sensation, Ermitage Kalone. Elickova is also a filly. Breeders: need we say more?
Comme Il Faut and Baltic VDL
With four offspring, the stallion Comme Il Faut produces the most foals in the auction. In addition to Jeunesse and Krakotte, Kwazie VG (Axel van Colen | in collaboration with Stal Kattenheye) and Zoë II (Lorenzo de Luca) were also paired with him.
Three foals have Baltic VDL as their sire. His offspring Leoni Jei (Martin Fuchs) and Ilex (McLain Ward) were standout performers at the Olympic Games in Paris. Ilex even secured team silver with McLain Ward. The Pommex team paired Baltic with Fragile van ’t Paradijs (by Indoctro), the mare with whom Emilie Conter won silver at the Junior European Championships, with Fame van de Plataan (by Bentley vd Heffinck), who excelled at the 1.60 level with Rik Hemeryck and Anne Sophie Hemeryck Godart, and with Equita van ’t Zorgvliet (by Cassini I), who claimed the Grand Prix of Bordeaux with Daniel Deusser.
And many more 1.60m mares
For those interested in acquiring a foal from Fragile van’t Paradijs, you can also set your sights on Goldikova Pommex Z, a filly by the rising star Ganesh Hero Z (Carlos Hank). Additionally, the collection includes foals from 1.60m mares such as Soory De L’Hallali (Zoë Conter | Lorenzo de Luca), Erenice Horta (Edwina Tops-Alexander), Amaryllis (Pedro Veniss), and Evita van’t Zoggehof (Lorenzo de Luca).
Loyal clients
The Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection has become a global phenomenon, attracting buyers and spectators from around the world to Wolvertem. However, you can also bid on your favorite foals online and follow the entire event via livestream. Tom Kerkhofs explains, “While most auctions see the majority of purchases made remotely, we notice that our customers really want to be here in person. This is thanks to the unique atmosphere and our personalized approach. We have a very strong relationship with our clients. Many of them have watched their foals grow into talented young horses and are eager to raise their hand again during our auction. We see that as a huge compliment to the hard work and endless passion of our breeding team.”
Mark your calender
The Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection will take place on Thursday evening, August 29, during the Brussels Stephex Masters in Wolvertem. Bidding is available both on-site and online.
The Brussels Stephex Masters (August 28 to September 1, 2024) is a free event open to everyone. You’re also welcome to visit the auction foals. So be sure to stop by!
