

SARGA.CO – In the world of racing and equestrian sport, horse prices can shock even seasoned buyers. We’re not talking merely hundreds of millions of rupiah but millions—even tens of millions—of dollars. For owners, a horse isn’t just a pet; it’s a major investment expected to bring prestige and champion bloodlines.
Surprisingly, a sky-high price isn’t only about track speed. Pedigree, jumping ability, and breeding potential can send a foal’s value soaring beyond logic. That’s why only the wealthiest can afford some of these young stars.
The latest surprise came at the prestigious Flanders Foal Auction. Citing horseandhound.co.uk, on September 20, 2025, a foal named C-Bra Van Het Bokt shattered the sales record.
With a striking spotted coat, this foal became the event’s star, fetching an astonishing €402,000 (about IDR 6.72 billion)—far exceeding all expectations, even those of the seller, Belgian veterinarian Steven Dhondt.
Initially, Dhondt hoped for a sale in the €100,000–€200,000 range. But as bids kept climbing, the final price surpassed every prediction.
The new owner is no ordinary buyer: an Olympic equestrian athlete from the United Arab Emirates. The athlete sees C-Bra Van Het Bokt as a long-term investment for elite show-jumping competitions.
C-Bra Van Het Bokt’s pedigree explains the buzz. His sire, J-Nius V.V. Z, is a renowned Appaloosa stallion known for his prowess in jumping arenas. His dam, Come and Get Me VK Z, descends from the legendary Conthargos X Clinton line—two names synonymous with Grand Prix–level jumping talent.
Adding to the appeal, his maternal grandmother, Anoeska van de Ruitershoeve, produced seven horses that successfully competed at 1.50–1.60 meter levels. This elite bloodline makes C-Bra Van Het Bokt a future star, while his beautiful spotted coat is the icing on the cake.
This record foal joins a long list of headline-grabbing sales. The most famous is Fusaichi Pegasus, a 2000 Kentucky Derby winner, who sold for around US $70 million, making him one of the most expensive horses in history when purchased by Ireland’s Coolmore Stud.
Price tags that high reflect proven racing ability and the hope for champion offspring. The value lies not only in speed but also in breeding potential.
Dressage horses can also command jaw-dropping sums. Totilas, the Dutch black stallion nicknamed the “Mozart of dressage,” once sold for about €11 million, prized for his elegant movements and record-breaking international scores.
Another shocker was Shareef Dancer, a Northern Dancer descendant, sold in 1983 for US $40 million, an astronomical figure for the time. Annihilator followed with a price near US $19 million, thanks to promising lineage and early performance.
From the National Hunt scene, Caldwell Potter set a 2024 record when auctioned at €740,000 at Tattersalls Ireland.
Even heavy-draft horses have stories of big money. In 2003, McIlrath’s Captain Jim, a two-year-old Belgian Draft, sold for US $112,500, proving exceptional bloodlines and unique breeds can drive prices well beyond the sporting arena.
Still, a record price doesn’t ensure glory. The Green Monkey is the most famous cautionary tale. Bought in 2006 for US $16 million because of his Northern Dancer pedigree, he raced only three times and never placed higher than third.
Though later used as a stud, he died in 2018 from laminitis—a reminder that spectacular auction figures don’t always translate to success on the track.
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