Winter Winners: Flanders references closing 2025 in style

As the international season wound down and arenas across the globe embraced the winter circuit, December 2025 proved once again why the Flanders Foal & Embryo Auction is synonymous with lasting sport success. From Oliva to Riyadh, from Mechelen to Ocala, Flanders references delivered consistency, podium finishes and serious prize money at 1.35m up to 1.50m level.

The month kicked off strongly in Oliva, where Nibali (2018, Casallo Z) claimed an emphatic 1st place at 1.35m under Mariano Martinez Bastida (ESP). Just days later in Kronenberg, Graal un Prince (2016, Kannan) stepped onto the 2nd place podium at 1.40m level with Brazilian rider Matheus Ferreira Gomes Correa.

Casall blood was well represented too, with Cognac EB (2015, Casall) finishing 11th at 1.40m level in La Coruña under Fernando de los Santos Garcia (ESP), while Paris vd Molendreef (2015, Toxine) jumped clear rounds in Chengdu with Italy’s Noemi Oggioni.

Mid-month, Ding Dong van Overis Z (2015, Diamant de Semilly) showed remarkable consistency in Oliva, securing two 4th places at 1.40m level with Bart Lips (NED). In Riyadh, Kalliope LVP Z (2017, Kannan) impressed with a 4th placing at 1.40m level and a 7th place at 1.45m with Mustafa Saerd (EGY).

Across the Atlantic, Kawir MS (2016, Comme Il Faut) enjoyed a standout December in Ocala. Ridden by Jared Petersen (USA), he ended up in 1st place at 1.40m and a 3rd place at 1.45m level, collecting solid prize money and underlining his progression at higher level.

Belgium proved to be a happy hunting ground for Gaudi de Hus (2016, Toulon). With Axel Vandoorne (BEL) in the saddle, he delivered an outstanding series of results: 2nd at 1.40m and 1.45m in Lier, followed by strong placings in Mechelen and a spectacular 1st place at 1.45m on 30 December. A true December highlight.

At the very top end, Qatar (2016, Kashmir van Schuttershof) tackled the 1.50m level in Chengdu, placing 7th with Marco Kutscher (GER), confirming his scope and competitiveness on five-star tracks.

Closing the year, young talent also made its mark. Byblosh-k van Kattenheye Z (2019, Bamako de Muze) placed 8th at 1.35m level in Frankfurt with Johannes Ehning (GER), a promising sign for the future.

December 2025 once again demonstrated what Flanders Foal & Embryo Auction stands for: carefully selected genetics translating into international sport performance. A fitting finale to the year.