5* Grand Prix Victory for Zodiak du Buisson Z

1 October 2024

Just days after Zodiak du Buisson Z was named Horse of the Year at the Limburg Foal Auction, he showcased his top form under Richard Howley by winning the Grand Prix of CSI5* Coapexpan! A remarkable achievement for the horse bred by Gijs van de Mortel from Haras du Buisson, who was sold at the Limburg Foal Auction in 2015.

The Zirocco Blue VDL son has formed a successful partnership with his Irish rider Richard Howley since 2022. In addition to a series of top placings, they have already secured five international victories, including previous wins in the 1.50m classes at CSIO5* Abu Dhabi and CSI5* Doha. In Coapexpan, Howley and Zodiak du Buisson Z emerged as the best of five combinations in the jump-off, leaving well-known competitors such as Daniel Deusser and Janika Sprunger behind. “He is such a fantastic horse. At only nine, to win a five-star Grand Prix is an amazing result for our whole stable at HK and everyone involved. My wife bought him at the Limburg Foal Auction and she rode him herself competitively up until national Grand Prix level. When she fell pregnant with our son, I was lucky enough to get the ride and Zodiak has developed to an absolute superstar.”