All signs point to a successful 2024 horse racing season so far. Many notable races and performances by both experienced and novice horses have been seen by the crowd. However, few auctions take place throughout the season when spectators may see the trading of high-valued horses. This massive achievement was accomplished at the National Hunt today when someone paid a humongous amount for the sale of Grade 1 winner Caldwell Potter.
The news of the famous horse’s sale sent shockwaves across the world of horse racing. Fans of the horse were ecstatic that Caldwell Potter would have fresh opportunities waiting for it, even if many were skeptical of the sale because of the horse’s mixed career.
A new off-track achievement for Caldwell Potter
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At the National Hunt auction, bidders got a glimpse of a piece of horse racing’s off-track history. Gordon Elliot, who had previously trained Caldwell Potter, gave Paul Nicholls a potential horse to ride at the Cheltenham Festival. As per At The Races’ Facebook post, the famous horse was reportedly sold for €740,000 (about $793,972), and trainer Nicholls will be training it going forward. With Sir Alex Ferguson, John Hales, Ged Mason, and Peter Done among the group that secured the horse, Nicholls scored a major jackpot.
The auction, however, did not go as anticipated, as the auditorium fell into complete silence at the presentation of the majestic horse. But with Martin Tedham’s help, the bidding began at €100,000 (about $107294). At half-million-dollar mark, even the Gold Cup winner, Bryan Cooper, got on the action. The horse auction reached new heights when Highflyer Bloodstock’s Anthony Bromley utterly crushed his rivals, winning the horse for €740,000 (about $793,972). Everyone in the auditorium had a fantastic time at the auction, which was widely regarded as one of the greatest. When it went live on social media, those who were interested in horse racing also appreciated it.
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Fans couldn’t be more happy for the equine
Any once-champion horse may always find better opportunities with a new owner and trainer. Fans are ecstatic that Caldwell Potter has broken records for the most money paid for a National Hunt horse. Equine lovers flocked to the comment section when the news of the sale was shared by At The Races to send their best wishes to the horse. With a compliment, this fan said, “Super looking horse, good luck with new connections.” Another fan also complimented the horse, saying, “What an absolute beauty.”
ALSO READ – Weeks After Scratching Constitution Hill, Trainer Opens up on Champion Equine’s ‘Build Up’ to Cheltenham
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This fan was shocked by this sale; as they say, “Wow that’s unreal.” Another fan was also completely flabbergasted, saying, “Wow… Surly that’s a surprise…” Not many prominent horses typically switch trainers and owners. But if Sir Lewis Hamilton is able to leave Mercedes and join Scuderia Ferrari, then as horse racing falls under the world of sports, it may also undergo a dramatic shift that surprises everyone.
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