British WEG team rider Michael Eilberg has received the ride on double World Young Horse Champion Sa Coeur. The 8-year old bay gelding is the second horse Eilberg is riding for Russian owner Elena Knyaginicheva.
Bred by Paul Schockemohle at Gestut Lewitz, the Oldenburg gelding Sa Coeur is by Sir Donnerhall I x Don Davidoff. As a youngster he was discovered by Rocco di Pierro in 2010. Two years later in the spring of 2012 the bay gelding sold to Hof Kasselmann. Sa Coeur sold at the 2012 PSI Auction for the record price of 2.3 million euro to Russian Elena Knyaginicheva
Eva Möller took charge of the training and competition career of Sa Coeur and brought home the World Young Horse Championships title in 2012 and 2013. The pair was currently competing in the Nurnberger Burgpokal qualifiers for Developing Prix St Georges horses.
Eilberg and Russian owner Elena Knyaginicheva are no new acquaintances. Since the spring of 2013, Michael has been riding Der Designer, which Knyaginicheva and Russian eventing rider Georgyi Rtischev bought at the 2011 PSI Auction for 1.1 million euro.
Michael told Horse and Hound that "we had a couple of the horses on the lorry recently and I suddenly realised we had millions of pounds in the back. It’s amazing and exciting — but also a bit terrifying.”
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
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Sa Coeur Reclaims World Champion's Title at the 2013 World Young Horse Chapmpionships
Sa Coeur Perseveres in 5-year old Finals at 2012 World Young Horse Championships
Sa Coeur Wins 5-year old Qualifier at 2012 World Young Horse Championships
Sa Coeur, Price Highlight of 2.3 Million Euro at 2012 PSI Auction