Julien Epaillard’s 11-year-old success mare Caracole de La Roque (Zandor Z x Kannan) has been sold to the US, and will in the future be seen under Karl Cook, Écurie Mathy announced on social media today.

On their official Instagram account, Écurie Mathy wrote: "Écurie François Mathy wishes a lot of success to Karl Cook new owner of the exceptional mare Caracole de La Roque who leaves our stables tomorrow to Pomponio Ranch in California. Have a safe trip Caracole."

Caracole de La Roque was born at Michel Hecart’s farm near Caen, on the west coast of France. Michel’s daughter Adeline rode the mare as a youngster, before her father took over the reins when Caracole turned seven. When Caracole de La Roque was eight, Hecart gave Epaillard the ride on the talented mare – and she went from jumping 1.30m classes at the end of 2021 to less than a year later be selected to represent France at the FEI Jumping World Championship 2022 in Herning, Denmark. “She is an absolute superstar of a horse,” Epaillard told World of Showjumping in an interview last year.

With Epaillard in the saddle, Caracole de La Roque had an incredible 2022-season. The two were triple clear and secured the victory for France in the CSIO5* 1.60m Henders and Hazel Nations Cup at Knokke Hippique, won the CSI5*-W 1.60m Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ in Madrid and in Lyon, as well as the CSI5*-W 1.60m Longines Grand Prix of Lyon. Other notable victories included the CSI4* 1.55m Grand Prix du Département de La Manche in St-Lô, the CSI4* 1.55m Prijs TM² Equestrian Grand Prix at Sentower Park and the CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix presented by Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort in Oliva Nova. At the FEI Jumping World Championship 2022 in Herning, the two won the opening speed leg, eventually finishing 23rd individually.

Haras de La Roque declined to comment on the sale.