Former Spanish Grand Prix team horse Norte has failed to sell at a PRE auction which took place in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, on Sunday 13 May 2018.
The 18-year old retired and licensed PRE stallion Norte (by Cortesano VII out of Iluminada VII (by Aquiles III)) was offered at auction by his owner, Lovera stud farm.
The potential sale of this former dressage star caused great upset in the Spanish world as fans prefer to see the stallion left retired and untouched. A crowd funding was started to purchase the horse and give him to his former rider Jose Antonio Garcia Mena for retirement, but the crowd funding goal of gathering 100,000 euro was not reached by far (1665 euro was raised).
At the auction, Norte was presented by handler Ton Mila, first in hand and then in freedom.
Lily Forado reported that the starting price for the bidding was set at 25,000 euro and several bids led to a price of 100,000 euro. However, this was below the reserve price of 120,000 euro set by the owner. Norte did not sell and has returned home to his stall in Cordoba.
Photo © Azahara Perez
Related Links
Former Spanish Team Horse Norte Up for Auction
Eurodressage Photo Database: Norte
Jose Antonio Garcia Mena's Norte Retired from Competition