The evening will begin in special fashion with the presentation of the eight-year-old Klarissa von Barlo (Kannan x Lux Z). She is none other than the half-sister to Aachen winner United Touch S (1.70m Grand Prix with Richard Vogel) and Olympic mare Zypria S (1.70m Grand Prix with Willem Greve). Granddam Cantate Touch (1.60m Grand Prix) is a daughter of Classic Touch, who claimed Olympic gold with Ludger Beerbaum in 1992.

"She is a very special mare with an excellent canter. She radiates scope. When you see her, you immediately recognise United Touch S in her. She has produced two foals, competed up to 1.35m level, and then returned to breeding. It's a unique opportunity to acquire something from this extraordinary family," says Gerald Lenaerts.

The evening continues with the auction of 34 jumping foals. "Fifteen foals are out of and raised by their biological mothers, 17 were bred through ICSI, and two through embryo transfer. We don't take that into account during the selection process, but it is wonderful to see foals presented alongside their own mothers. At the same time, we're also very pleased with ICSI, because it allows foals to come onto the market that otherwise wouldn't exist," explain Lenaerts and Van Puymbroeck.

26 Different Sires

One of the most striking aspects of this year's collection is the diversity of bloodlines.

"Thirty-five lots, 26 different sires. All stallions that have proven themselves either in sport and/or through their offspring. We have four foals by United Touch S because his progeny look exceptionally promising, and four by Comme Il Faut. We can really feel the demand for his offspring as well. Riders absolutely love them. They are horses that cooperate and genuinely want to work with you."

Eight foals are out of sport mares that competed at levels ranging from 1.45m to 1.70m. Nearly all foals come from granddam and great-granddam lines that have already produced one or more Grand Prix horses.

"We've expanded the black-type pedigrees by adding several extra generations, provided everything still fits on a single A4 page. If a foal has a young dam and granddam, you can still see just how strong the original family is. That gives buyers confidence."

Who Will Top the Auction?

Predicting the auction topper remains difficult. Will it be the son of Emerald out of the 1.70m Grand Prix mare HH Azur, whose career earnings exceeded €4.2 million? Or will the spotlight fall on the foals out of Grand Prix mares Kitona de Muze, Fleur de Kalvarie and Jussica T?

The renowned maternal lines of Centa de Muze, Qerly Chin, Roosakker, van de Bisschop, H&M Butterfly Flip, Dominator 2000 Z, Candy, Hardrock Z and Quasibelle du Seigneur are also expected to attract plenty of admirers.

The full collection can be viewed at www.flandersfoalauction.be.