The first session of Callaho’s Summer Auction 2021 was certainly memorable. With eleven future superstars going under the virtual hammer, bidding was fierce and the excitement palpable. With so much local and international competition, bidding on most lots was routinely extended to allow punters to fight it out. Just following the auction was breathtaking. Every lot found a buyer – a white-glove sale!
The 11 horses on offer showed off Callaho’s breeding prowess. From top dressage prospects to open jumpers, the first half of this season’s collection showcased them all. Callaho certainly understands what it takes to produce a winner.
The best-selling lot of the night was Callaho Carrera (Carnaval La Silla/Con Coriano/Landadel). The hammer came down for this spectacular gelding at R450,000. A true athlete, words can’t really do him justice; he is a surefire winner of the future. Congratulations to his new owners; we’ll be seeing you on the podium soon.
The next three highest prices were achieved by three very special boys: Lot 11, Callaho Laruno (Larison/For Joy/Alme Z), Lot 1, Callaho Chilton (Chiletto/Clinton/Quidam de Revel), and Lot 4, Callaho Conca Vella (Con Coriano/Lissabon/Raphael). Laruno, a gelding by Larison, was the final lot of the night to close, finishing at R420,000. From one of Callaho’s most precious dam lines, Laruno fully embodies the team’s vision for the future. Chilton, a special gelding and a sure-seller to start off the sale, generated lots of interest, with bids flying in as the clock ticked down. His new owners are the subject of some jealousy here in the HQ office! Conca Vella’s price settled at R400 000, which comes as little surprise: with a fail-safe breeding pedigree for big-time jumpers, he has many close relatives excelling in the SA open classes as well as the big 1.60m Grand Prix’s in Europe.
Special mention must also go to two of the dressage prospects of the evening. Callaho Beniro and Callaho Layla are set to light up the centre line very soon. Callaho Beniro (Benicio/De Niro/Weltmeyer) emulates the qualities of his world-renowned father Benicio, and is an outstanding horse for the future. Combining the legendary Benicio, De Niro and Weltmeyer was sure to produce a special talent – and here he is. Beniro sold for R290,000. Callaho Layla (Lissabon/Embassy I/Eiger I) was a fantastic buy at R330,000. With sublime conformation and the most expressive face, she is an overall beautiful type. Set to win in dressage and showing, this wonderful mare is a textbook example of modern Warmblood breeding.
Last night’s results are further evidence of Callaho’s strong reputation in the sport horse market. Callaho’s famed ‘breeding magic’ continues to attract top riders and breeders. Congratulations to all the successful bidders and for those that missed out, we’ve only hit the halfway mark – there is still time! The sale concludes tonight when a further 12 of Callaho’s finest go under the hammer. The lots start closing at 6:30pm – we’ll see you there!