SFN Zenith, one of the most consistent horses throughout the four days of the 2016 Olympic competition, was no doubt also one of the unluckiest, with only 0.02 seconds coming between him and a chance to be part of the individual medal battle.
Despite jumping an immaculate double clear round on the final day of competition, SFN Zenith, expertly piloted by 2000 Olympic gold medalist Jeroen Dubbeldam, picked up a single time fault, preventing them from progressing to the jump-off.
Throughout the week, the World and European Champions maintained a reliably high standard, posting a series of excellent results and proving what an exceptional combination they are on the big stage. This came as no real surprise for the combination that were part of the winning team and won the individual gold medal at the 2014 World Equestrian Games and the 2015 European Championships in Aachen.
SFN Zenith, now safely back in his home stable, is one of six horses due to be sold via an online auction on Wednesday September 21, 2016, which also includes Aquila SFN, second reserve for the Dutch Olympic Team in Rio.
The unique selection process of the SFN, whereby an elite group of leading horse dealers and trainers must all agree unanimously on the potential of a horse before it is purchased on behalf of the fund means that the quality of the horses up for sale is unparalleled.
The online auction, which will be operated by BVA Auctions in the Netherlands, will officially open at 5pm on Wednesday September 14, and will remain open until 2pm on Wednesday September 21. To participate in the auction, it is necessary to register and pay a deposit, after which further information will be accessible, including full veterinary reports. For further information and advice about how to participate, please visit the BVA Auctions website at www.bva-auctions.com/SFN
All six horses will be available for viewing on Monday 19th September at Wout-Jan van der Schans stables (Landgoed Balkenschoten Barneveldseweg 122 3862 PD Nijkerk), which will be the final opportunity for prospective buyers to see the horses up close. The stables will open its doors to the public at 2pm, with each horse parading in-hand for approximately 10 minutes.
Speaking on behalf of the SFN, Henk Rottinghuis, the President of the SFN Board, said, “I would like to express my gratitude to Jeroen, who is one of the best show jumping riders ever seen in the Netherlands. Since becoming a partnership in 2011, Jeroen and SFN Zenith have achieved so many extraordinary accomplishments and given the SFN and Dutch show jumping communities much success and enjoyment.”
For further details on all horses due to feature in the sale, including up-to-date videos of them in action, please visit www.sfnauction.com
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