Uthopia up for auction with no reserve

Uthopia up for auction through Wilson’s Auctions, Northern Ireland, Friday 27^th May, 2016

Not all is a utopian paradise at Olympic winning Dressage rider Carl Hester’s, as an ownership dispute rages on. The GB Gold medal winning dark bay stallion, Uthopia, is to be put to public auction with no reserve.

Uthopia is being sold by Tom Keenan (Keenan Corporate Finance) and James Neill (HNH Group), who hold joint ownership of the horse. The sale is part of proceedings for Irish event rider, Sasha Stewart and her father Derek Harrison, who were declared bankrupt in 2010. Uthopia was originally registered through the FEI as part owned by Carl Hester, but it has since been revealed the dressage master holds no stake in the Stallion.

The sale, which will see Uthopia up for auction, will take place on the 27^th May at 6.00pm in Northern Ireland, and he will be sold through Wilson’s auctions to the highest bidder. Bidding is available over the phone, online or through a commission bid through their auctioneers.

The fifteen-year-old, fondly known as Uti, will not be present at the auction and will remain in his current stable until a sale has been agreed. Carl discovered Uthopia as a four-year old. Among his many prestigious successes’ he boasts a total of five Championship medals including Olympic team gold in 2012, and two individual silvers at the 2011 European Championships. Charlotte Dujardin has been recently competing the Stallion, as a back up to her main ride Valegro.

Carl Hester aired his dismay at the prospect of losing his Olympic hero in a statement posted on his personal Facebook page:

“Many of you will have read the sad news that Uthopia will go to auction due to the unresolved dispute over his ownership. We are working hard to find a solution so he can spend his retirement here at home.

Thanks to everyone who has shown their support, it is really appreciated”

Legions of broken-hearted fans pledged their support through donations to a gofundme page named “Keep Uthopia home with Carl Hester”. The donations have since been refunded after a statement on Carl Hester’s Facebook reassured the public that these measures, although appreciated, were not necessary:

“I would just like to say how amazing it is that so many people have been in support for helping us keep Uthopia, the enthusiasm of the equestrian community is incredible! We have hopefully arranged enough money through owners to keep Uthopia’s future secure. So at this time, although everyone’s generosity is hugely appreciated, I would like to ask that all Go Fund Me and other fundraising pages are put on hold, please do not donate. I will keep everyone updated on any progress, but your support, kind words and love for Uti have truly amazed me.”