Only nine weeks ago, Smolders shared on social media that he and the six-year-old stallion rode their first rounds together. From the first videos shared by Smolders, viewers quickly noticed Ecclestone’s scope, step, bravery, and carefulness.
Ecclestone Z is a chestnut Zangersheide stallion with an impressive pedigree. Ecclestone Z’s father, Escape Z, has a pedigree that combines three top stallions: Emerald van’t Ruytershof, Heartbreaker and Carthago. The uniquely coloured stallion shares a mother with the showjumping sire Untouchable. Escape’s father is Olympic competitor Emerald. Emerald was a very successful competitor and, over the years, has become a top sire. He has produced many stallion sons and his foals and older offspring fetch impressive amounts of money on various auctions.
Ecclestone already has foals on the ground, with the first crop being born in 2023. Smolder Sporthorses describes his offspring as “Super beautiful, bloody foals with the same appearance as their father.” He also has a champion foal in the UK.
Well done to Ecclestone, Harrie, and all involved in this podium finish. There is undoubtedly more to come from this young stallion.
Fun fact
You might notice some call Carthago, Carthago Z; this is due to him acquiring the Z suffix following his lease to study Zangersheide.