By Equestrian Life Staff

© Franz Venhaus

Olympic champion Uthopia is set to go to auction without reserve as a result of an ownership dispute. The remarkable stallion was made famous by contributing to Britain's dressage team gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games with Carl Hester, after only making his Grand Prix debut in 2010.

Uthopia will be taken to auction by Tom Keenan and James Neill, the stallion's current owners. It has been reported that Keenan and Neill are trustees to two bankruptcy estates of Uthopia's former owners, Sasha Stewart and Derek Harrison.

The auction will be undertaken without reserve and conducted by Wilsons Auctions, who have released the following statement:

"Wilsons Auctions have been instructed to sell by public auction, to the highest bidder, the former Olympic Champion Horse Uthopia, as part of their Unreserved Prestige Auction on Friday 27th May. Online bidding will be available and further details will be released in due course.

Uthopia, who was ridden to gold medal glory at London 2012 as part of the British Olympic Equestrian team, is being sold by  Tom Keenan (Keenan Corporate Finance) and James Neill (HNH Group) who hold joint ownership of the horse by virtue of their respective roles as Trustee in Bankruptcy over two separate bankruptcy estates."

 

Wilson's auctions have also stated that "the auction will also include a selection of supercars, prestige jewellery, watches designer goods and more".

Concern for Uthopia's welfare has been expressed by the public, with respect to his need for ongoing veterinary care. Many of the magnificent stallion's fans are urging action to be taken to see that Uthopia continues to live at Carl Hester's stable.

© Franz Venhaus

Source: H&H, Wilsons Auctions, Canada Horse