The now 16-year-old stallion Utamaro d'Ecaussines (Diamant de Semilly x Quidam de Revel) has been retired from the sport, and will in the future be focusing on his breeding career at Zangersheide Stud in Lanaken, Belgium.
For years, Utamaro d'Ecaussinnes has been one of the most successful horses on the international circuit – first with Joe Clee in the saddle, then with William Whitaker before Niels Bruynseels took over the reins. Utamaro d'Ecaussinnes jumped at the 2014 World Equestrian Games and at the 2015 European Championships with Clee, and at the 2017 European Championships as well as the 2018 World Equestrian Games with Whitaker. With numerous double clear Nations Cups rounds as well as several top Grand Prix results on his record, Utamaro d'Ecaussinnes has a fantastic career to look back at – in 2018 he won the Longines FEI World Cup of London with Whitaker in the saddle.
"Stallions like Utamaro d'Ecaussines are scarce and I am very grateful that Ludwig and Yasmine Criel are entrusting their very best to us", comments Judy-Ann Melchior on Zangersheide's website. "He is the perfect addition to our collection. For several years, Utamaro was one of the top stallions on the circuit. He is exceptionally careful, has a lot of blood and is bursting with talent."
At World of Showjumping, we wish Utamaro a happy retirement!