German Racing…what does winning big races actually do?

[SirHarryLewis]

Im curious. Apparently from reading some messages, racing in Germany is in poor shape. Is that in terms of attendance, coverage, prizemoney, all of the above? Also what difference does it make then to win the odd big race in England. Does it make the news?

Lots of questions, maybe somebody knows

SHL

[andyod]

From what I read in the papers the Germans are going in the wrong direction.Most countries are breeding horses for the mile and a 1/4 races not the longer ones.What kind of horses run or win the Derby nowadays? How many Arab horses run in the Derby? Take away Coolmore from the Derby and what have you got? Take away the other Irish horses and you could scrub the race altogether.

[robertob]

Not following the home scene with too much passion but poor prize money is a big problem obviously. The sport gets little to no media attention. Even though I felt there was a bit more ongoing in recent time with some TV coverage and a couple of articles in the papers about the bigger race meetings, thanks to the successes of Danedream, but as far as I have seen Novellist’s King George win didn’t set the German sport world alight. So the general interest in the sport remains small. Biggest problem is the low betting turnover, which is supposed to be the biggest income for German racing and its racetracks. It also has to be said that racing is usually only on weekends underway, with a couple of exceptions.

Apart of that I think the German bloodstock is strong actually. German horses winning big races all over the world or are at least competitive in them. So it can’t be all bad. But the racing scene in Germany itself is on its knees, no doubt.

[robnorth]

From what I read in the papers the Germans are going in the wrong direction.

On the contrary. Given that races such as the KG & QE Stakes are hardly likely to be reduced in status in the near future, then I’d say the Germans are ones getting it right.

Rob

[Author]

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