Coocoo’s Fire Z top seller for €680,000 in DSHS

24 September 2024

American buyers took the lead at the 20th edition of the Dutch Sport Horse Sales. Half of the horses will cross the Atlantic, including the top seller, Coocoo’s Fire Z, which sold for the impressive price of €680,000. The talented five-, six-, and seven-year-old showjumpers were highly sought after at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre.

All 16 horses were sold to international buyers, including customers from Finland, Sweden, Great Britain, and Switzerland. The Hendrix family, together with Yves Houtackers, has built a broad international client base, and both new and returning clients made successful bids at this anniversary edition.

Successful auction
The impressively jumping seven-year-old Coocoo’s Fire Z (s.Casago) was among the favorites beforehand, and tonight he became the third most expensive horse ever sold at the Dutch Sport Horse Sales. Only Viper Z and Khaleesi have surpassed his price so far. “The United States is an incredibly important market for us. We sold our first horse there in 1981, and now, over 40 years later, we are still doing business with some of the same clients,” said Paul Hendrix. “The auction went very well tonight. It’s been a turbulent year for us personally, but I’m proud of how we’ve all worked through it together, and I’d like to sincerely commend Janou, Michel, and Tim for their efforts. An auction like this requires extensive preparation. The fact that not only all the horses were sold, but also found good homes, makes me especially proud.”

International clients
Several horses were sold for over €200,000, including the six-year-old Zambesi daughter Zoyce, who will be heading to Great Britain for €260,000. The Gaspahr son Nik will also leave for Great-Britain, for €230,000. Nadia HX (s.Valmy de la Lande) was sold to the United States for €240,000, while Nathan (s.Chacoon Blue) fetched €270,000 and will continue his career in the Czech Republic. “With great pleasure, we will continue to follow the journeys of these sixteen horses and start preparing a new group of horses for the 21st edition of the Dutch Sport Horse Sales.”

Photo: DigiShots