The Austrian press is totally abuzz since the rumours started about a potential sale of Totilas to Austria. Klaus Martin Rath, husband of co-owner Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff, debunks all rumours and considers the idea that they would be selling Totilas "ridiculous".
In an interview with the Austrian Kleine Zeitung, Rath firmly stated that "we're not thinking about selling Totilas, it's ridiculous." When the newspaper asked if they would consider selling it the offer was immorally high, Rath replied "the sum would have to be totally crazy. But anyone who knows our family and my wife knows that we never sell a horse. Totilas is not for sale and will not be an Austrian."
The now 12-year old Dutch warmblood stallion Totilas sold for a rumoured amount of 11,800,000 euro to Paul Schockemohle and Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff, an amount which was considered crazy by many. As soon as Totilas arrived in Linsenhoff's stable in Kronberg, Germany, Matthias Rath's then number one Grand Prix horse Sterntaler was retired from competition and his second Grand Prix horse Triviant sold to Charlotte Haid-Bondergaard in Sweden.
Klaus Martin confirms that Gal has been pushing to get Totilas back in his barn and his new sponsorship by billionaire Gaston Glock opened a window. "For months Gal has been after Totilas and wants him back by hook or by crook," Rath told the newspaper. "Why had the horse been sold to us in the first place then, just for a commission fee? I experience this interest as disruptive."
Linsenhoff is firm in not selling her stallion. "Totilas is an essential part of our family. He brings us all so much joy," Rath said.
The goal of the year are the 2012 Olympic Games. Matthias would be the third generation in the family to get an Olympic medal. Ann Kathrin won team gold, her mother Liselott was the first woman to win individual gold in dressage in 1972. Matthias could be the third in line.
"Matthias has medal chances. When it doesn't work, we love him no less," Rath concluded.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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