Champ Bonita is sold for 1m

THE build-up to the quadrennial World Equestrian Games in Spain next September has triggered a steep rise in the prices of top horses - with bids of up to 2million.

Bonita, a European champion partnered by Jessica Kurten last summer, is said to have been sold to the United States for a sum in excess of 1m.

The mare remains in Europe but is wanted for the tournament in Spain, where success can bring lucrative endorsements.

There is a shortage of top-class horses so the best ones that come on to the market are in demand.

Liscalgot, another of Ireland's European champions, is owned by Terence Harve. He is believed to have already turned down an American bid of 1.6m for the horse which is ridden by Dermott Lennon.

Meanwhile, Robert Smith, who opened his account at Olympia in devastating style by winning the two opening classes, will be aiming for another triumph in today's main class, The Christmas Masters.

Smith, son of the legendary Harvey, will be jumping the grey Dutchb re d n i n e - ye a r- o l d Kalusha, recent winner of the Grand Prix of Alencon in France.

In this fault-and-out competition over five fences, the qualifiers raise the fence of their choice in each round and the prize money is increased by 500 for every clear round.

Last year, Smith claimed 11,000. The maximum sum on offer this year is 21,000.

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