A December of ‘Brilliance’
With the horses settled in The UAE, we take the time to look back on an exciting December. From competing in the CSI5* at London International to all things Brilliance Auction and the start of our season in Dubai.
Whilst the rest of Shanes team were flying to warmer climates, Haya,Cato Boy and Fan Fan de Beaufort took on the 5* classes the London International Horse Show. All horses jumped some fantastic rounds, with the highlight being Cato Boy jumping clear in the CSI5* Grand Prix, his 5* Grand Prix debut. Fan Fan De Beaufour, owned by Chris Warren -exceeded all expectations at his first show with us. He cleared the huge red wall in his first Puissance as well as jumping some fantastic rounds in the 5* 1.45 classes. – Darcy and One Saharah impressed in the 148 Mini Stakes, jumping an immaculate clear round in a tough class as well as having the fastest time in the jump off to finish 6th. A brilliant experience for the younger riders to ride at CSI5* show with such a large atmosphere. We could not be prouder of Darcy and cannot wait to see what 2024 holds for her.
It was also an exciting week for us as it was the inaugural Brilliance Auction which was run in partnership with the team at The Billy Stud. The horses arrived on Wednesday evening into their biosecure stables, thanks to Equine Bio Genie and it was all systems go from then! Thursday evening saw a spectacular showcase of all the horses who showed off with quite the crowd present. On Friday, potential bidders had the chance to try the Brilliance Horse Auction lots. The trials were a huge success, with horses being tried by every type of rider – from promising young British riders to world class 5* winners
Saturday evening, the collection of future stars went under the hammer. 10 horses sold, culminating a total of £1.7 million. The auction made a global impact, selling to Saudi Arabia, Holland, Italy, America, Portugal, with some also staying in Britain. Our first inaugural Brilliance Auction perfectly demonstrated the quality horses sourced from Britain and Ireland and The Brilliance Auction provided an exceptional horse for every rider.
We are immensely grateful to everyone involved. It would have been simply impossible to have had such incredible success without the hard work and dedication from The Brilliance Auction team. The next edition of the Brilliance Horse Auction will be held on Saturday July 27th, 2024 in the garden at Hickstead Place during Hickstead Royal International Horse Show.
A fleeting Christmas at home for Shane and then straight out to The UAE and back to our home away from home with Team Z7! With the rest of the team ready to go, they headed to the first show on the calendar – CSI3*-W Al Ain. Starting as we mean to go on, Shane piloted Z7 Ipswich into 2nd and Scarteen into 5th place in the CSI3* 1.45. Katie and BE Alacantara, an 8 year old mare out of Colmar, kicked their tour off with a 6th and 8th place in the CSI3* 1.35 classes. And Z7 Regal Don took 6th place with Katie in the CSI3* Ranking Class. As for our young horses,, Shane and Z7 Pink Panther (Cuick Star Kervec x Obos Quality) finished in 5th in the CSIYH1* 5 year old final, with Katie and Z7 Continuum (Cornet Obolensky x Voltaire) jumping a super double clear too!
Memorable tours like this cannot happen without all our team, sponsors and supporters. We wish you all a happy and healthy new year and cannot wait to see what 2024 will bring for Breen Equestrian!