Top 5 Most Expensive Horses Ever Sold
Horses are especially demanded and have been always attractive for enthusiasts and collectors all over the world, some of them were sold for the unique records, because of their pedigree, victories, and individual traits. Ranging from racehorses to show jumpers, those prices are richly deserved by these creatures, born great and with tremendous potential. Below you will find a list of five of the most expensive horses ever sold, which proves that these stunning and talented equines are worth their high price.
Over the past few years, the online equestrian auctions have opened new opportunities for the buyers because they do not limit them geographically when considering high-ranking horses. These platforms provide an opportunity to purchase high-quality horses: the breeds, lineage, and achievements of which are clearly stated; high-value equine trading has never been easier.
5. McIlrath’s Captain Jim
The draught horse being referred and rented to bam, McIlrath’s Captain Jim is listed by Guinness World Record as the most expensive draught being sold. The two-year-old Belgian stallion was sold for $112 500 (£69,400) at the Mid-America Draft Horse Sale Gifford, Illinois USA on 20 Feb 2003. The fact that his price was relatively high was because he possessed good blood lines.
4. Fusaichi Pegasus
Fusaichi Pegasus has gone for $70 million (£53.7 million) to Coolmore Ireland, a racehorse breeding company, in the year 2000 making him the priciest horse in history. This Thoroughbred stallion foaled on 12 April 1997 by Neil Drysdale and a racing career that yielded earnings of $1,994,400 and the Kentucky Derby in 2000. Nonetheless, his breeding fee was scaled down from $150,000 to $7,500 in 2017, and Double was retired from serving as a freshman sire at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in central Kentucky in 2020. However, as the people that bought him as yearling for a comparatively measly $4 million can surely attest, he has brought joy to a few souls!
3. Totilas
The Dutch Warmblood stallion, however fabulous, black was purchased for an estimated 11 million Euro for German trainer Paul Schokemöhle. ‘Toto’, ridden by the Dutchman Edward Gal, triumphed at the 2010 WEG, winning three gold medals and becoming the first partnership to score over ninety percent at Grand Prix level. Though he never had the sort of success with his new rider, Matthias Rath, Toto was plagued by accidents for the rest of his racing career. He retired from racing in 2015 and saw out his days in the States before passing away from colic in December 2020.
2. MHS Going Global
MHS Going Global, the 2016 Olympic ride of Irish showjumper Greg Broderick, was purchased by the Greek showjumper and heiress, Athina Onassis, in November 2016 for a record of around €12 million (£10.2 million), Apostolopoulou said. Sired by Quidam Junior I out of a LRV bred Cavalier Royale mare, the then 10-year-old Irish sport horse was bred by Tom and Ita Brennan of Kilkenny’s Mill House Stud. The last record for a show jumper was €11million for then 10-year-old gelding Palloubet d’Halong was bought by Jan Topps in October this year.
1. Caldwell Potter
Caldwell Potter forged into the history books at Tattersalls Ireland in February 2024 when a National Hunt horse was sold for the highest ever recorded at a public auction of €740,00 (£632,000). Highflyer Bloodstock retained the six year old on behalf of John Hales, Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson and Peter Done and was trained by Paul Nicholls.
20 Most Expensive Horses in The World
Therefore, we see that the world of elite horse sales opened, demonstrating what value and respect all people assign to the wonderful creatures – horses. These horses – Fusaichi Pegasus sold for $70 million, show jumpers MHS Going Global and Totilas, etc. – all have impressive pedigrees and performances; on the list each horse represents pure blood, talent, and promise that are valued by their buyers.
These horses be it for lineage, looks, special talents or racing abilities emphasized the market that is driven by passion, prestige and extraordinary talent comes with great price. The above collection of high-level horses is a little reminder that these animals – born winners – are worth the record-breaking sums of their sales.