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This news has just made this possibly the worst day I have ever known in racing. A few hours after hearing that we had lost our star of the future Thumbs Up in what can only be described as a horrendous incident in a lake race at Quakenbrueck, the horse that really started things off for Christian and Stall Jenny (Flippers owner) has now lost his life.
As with Flipper, Siberion started off on the flat with Mario Hofer, winning the Slovakian Derby in 2004. He was subsequently sent to Christian for a hurdling campaign where he won 3 of his first 4 including a Group 2 hurdle at Milan. After picking up an injury that saw him miss the whole of 2005, Siberion took a while to get going in 2006, but second place in the Merano Champion Hurdle proved he was back to his best. He then went chasing, picking up a Listed chase at Milan before finishing seocnd in the Group 3 Premio Prato to the brlliant Royal Mougins, giving the winner 3kg and only going down by a length. It wa at this point that Christian decided to try his luck in the UK, so he was sent to Plumpton in November 2006. He was gonig well but came down 3 out. Not to be outdone, Christian sent Siberion back there the following month, and as before, Tom Scudamore rode. This time there were no mistakes and Siberion came home clear of Afrad and Swing Bill. Although looking at the 2007 Arkle Chase as a possibility, the owner was not so keen having seen Flipper struggle at Cheltenham the previous year. Therefore, Siberion bypassed Cheltenham, but by then Christian had received several offers for him, with Tony Martins being the best so off he went.
I kept a close eye on his progress in Ireland, but apart from a win and 4th in a Grade 1 chase, he never scaled the heights he had on the European mainland. I always though he could have won the Queen Mother, and when you realise that he was rated very similar to Flipper both on the flat an over hurdles, maybe if things had gone his way, he could have been a bit of a superstar.
You can see the race here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJM04a-sURg
As usaul, I got the result completely wrong!! The home straight at Munich is only 2 1/2 furlongs, and I think Terry Hellier stole a march on his rivals on Durban Thunder as they turned for home. The commentator is the regular guy at Munich, and if you don’t speak German, he’s not always very easy on the ear!! A sort of German cross between John Hunt and Murray Walker!!
A field of 6 has been declared for the race on Sunday. No British raiders, but Famous Name does make the trip:
1 Durban Thunder Stall Tinsdal (T.Mundry) T.Hellier 4
2 Famous Name K.Abdullah (D.K.Weld/Ireland) P.J.Smullen 1
3 Innovator OMS Spol (Frau Z.Kubovicova/Slovakia) Z.Smida 5
4 Russian Tango Rennstall Darboven (A.Woehler) E.Pedroza 2
5 Elle Shadow Gestuet Wittekindshof (P.Schiergen) A.Starke 6
6 Impostor Stall Salzburg (W.Figge) F.Minarik 3Looking at Famous Names form, I think he’s a cut above most of these, although Elle Shadow might give him something to think about. She’s won 3 of her last 4, all Group races in Germany, and was 6th in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp last year. Russian Tango was 3rd in last years German Derby but something seemed amiss at Hamburg last time out. Durban Thunder is very consistent, but has twice been behind Russian Tango. Impostor was second in this years incredibly rough Austrian Derby but was demoted to third, behind a horse of Christians which I know isn’t German Group class, and Slovakian raider Innovator won his homelands Derby last year, but was well beaten in the Austrian equivalent.
In my eyes, it’s almost 3 horses running in pairs. Innovator and Impostor battling it out for 5th and 6th, Durban Thunder and Russian Tango for 3rd and 4th, and Famous Name and Elle Shadow for 1st and 2nd. As is the case with most German Group races, there might be very little pace early on, but Famous Name has Group winning form at a mile, and I think he’s the one to beat.
There are 28 horses declared, 12 British, 3 Irish, one each from Norway and Slovakia, and 11 home trained runners as follows:
Afsare Sheikh M.O.al Maktoum/England(L.M.Cumani)
Antara Godolphin Management Co.Ltd./England(S.bin Suroor)
Calvados Blues Godolphin Management Co.Ltd./England(M.Al Zarooni)
Campanologist Godolphin Management Co.Ltd./England(S.bin Suroor)
Cape Blanco Frau S.Magnier u.a./Irland(A.P.O’Brien)
Cavalryman Godolphin Management Co.Ltd./England(S.bin Suroor)
Debussy Godolphin Management Co.Ltd./England(M.Al Zarooni)
Distant Memories Frau F.Hay/England(T.P.Tate Ltd)
Durban Thunder Stall Tinsdal(T.Mundry)
Elle Shadow Gestuet Wittekindshof(P.Schiergen)
Famous Name K.Abdullah/Ireland(D.K.Weld)
Illo Gestüt Schlenderhan(J.Hirschberger)
Impostor Stall Salzburg(W.Figge)
Innovator OMS Spol s.r.o./Slovakia(Frau Z.Kubovicova)
Jan Vermeer Frau S.Magnier u.D.Smith/Irland(A.P.O’Brien)
Kings Gambit Frau F.Hay/England(T.P.Tate Ltd)
Mawingo Gestuet Schlenderhan(J.Hirschberger)
Rewilding Godolphin Management Co.Ltd./England(M.Al Zarooni)
Rio De La Plata Godolphin Management Co.Ltd./England(S.bin Suroor)
Russian Tango Rennstall Darboven(Andr.Wöhler)
Scalo Gestuet Ittlingen(Andr.Wöhler)
Simon De Montfort Godolphin Management Co.Ltd./England(M.Al Zarooni)
Sinnerman Gestuet Schlenderhan(J.Hirschberger)
Sir Lando Stall Perlen/Norway(W.Neuroth)
Sri Putra H.R.H. Sultan Ahmad Shah/England(R.Varian)
Theo Danon Stall D’Angelo(P.Schiergen)
Wheredreamsare Gestuet Park Wiedingen(W.Figge)
Zazou WH Sport International(W.Hickst)Some interesting entries there I think, Godolphin with no less than 8 entries.
Just been on the phone to someone in Hamburg, and apparently it’s been lashing it down for hours. He’s just walked the course, and apparently it’s quite soft now. I was there in 2008 when Andrew Balding ran Top Lock. Half an hour before the race, it was good to firm, but following the mother of all downpours, the race went off on officialy soft ground! Hamburg does not drain well, so you’d be looking at a horse proven on soft now. Interestingly, German bookamkers Racebets, who were 7/2 Brown Panther yesterday, now go 5/2 on the English raider. I am a bit worried about Ibicenco on the ground – I backed him at 12-1, but his only run of soft saw him a well beaten 6th. Earl of Tinsdal and Silvaner are interesting for me – they’ve both won big races on soft, and you usually find a big priced outsider making the frame.
Just a curiosity question: any relationship between Jens Hirschberger and Andreas Schutz?
There isn’t, and any reports of a Right Said Fred tribute act have been greatly exaggerated.
Apologies for the delay as I’ve been writing an article about Czech steeplechasing, but I’ve finally sorted out my German Derby preview. I was characteristially incorrect last year, and do have quite an appalling record in picking the winner of the race – let’s hope Michael Owen isn’t reading this!!! The preview is also on my website, but I though I’d just paste it here as well to save time:
1 Arrigo (GER)
Trainer: Jens Hirschberger
Jockey: Kieren Fallon
-121
The first of five runners from the all conquering Schlenderhan stud, Arrigo went into several notebooks when winning the Oppenheim Union Rennen at Cologne, one of the top German Derby trials. However, he ran wide on both bends at Cologne that day and was very green in the home straight, and it will be interesting to see how he handles the tight course at Hamburg. Prior to that victory, he was pipped at the post by another stablemate, Mawingo in the Bavarian Classic at Munich. Kieren Fallon is one of the best jockeys in the race, but flopped last year on the well fancied Monterosso, and Arrigo still looks to be learning his trade – this may have come a bit too soon for him.2 Ametrin (IRE)
Trainer: Jens Hirschberger
Jockey: Filip Minarik
-322
Showed a marked improvement in form when running Arrigo close in the Oppenheim. That day, he was able to dictate the pace, however with so many runners today, he may well be taken on for the lead and could be vulnerable.3 Lindenthaler (GER)
Trainer: Peter Schiergen
Jockey: William Buick
11-15
The ante post favourite for the race a couple of months ago following his impressive victory in the Group 3 Dr. Busch Memorial at Krefeld in April, before finishing last of 5 when upped in distance at Longchamp. May not stay this trip, and it should be noted that all other four horses in the Longchamp race were beaten next time out. Trainer Peter Schiergen won the race in 2008 with Kamsin, but stable jockey Andrasch Starke has opted to ride Saltas.4 Mawingo (GER)
Trainer: Jens Hirschberger
Jockey: Adrie de Vries
32-131
Came with a late run to grab Arrigo on the line in the Bavarian Classic. Prior to that, he had both Earl of Tinsdal and Saltas ahead of him in the Group 3 Metzler Rennen at Frankfurt. However, that race was run at a slow tempo which didn’t seem to suit Mawingo, and stable jockey Adrie de Vries has picked him over four other stablemates. However, de Vries has got it wrong is the past (turned down the winner in 2007 and 2009), and maybe he could have picked the wrong one again.5 Ibicenco (GER)
Trainer: Jens Hirschberger
Jockey: Tom Queally
6-132
Adrie de Vries’ loss could well be Tom Queallys gain. The English based Irishman, who has ridden many times for the Schlenderhan stable in the past, partnered Ibicenco to third place in a Listed event at Longchamp over todays distance before the horse was edged out in a photo in a Group 3 at Chantilly when partnered by de Vries. One of the few horses in the race who is guaranteed to stay, Ibicenco is a tough battler and although not proven on soft going (rain is forecast for Sunday), he could turn out to be the best of the Schlenderhan team.6 Gereon (GER)
Trainer: Christian Zschache
Jockey: John Murtagh
111-23
The story of Christian Zschache is one to bring a tear to the eye. A former jockey who has been in a wheelchair since a riding accident in 1999, Zschache has never made it big as a trainer based at the Hoppegarten course near Berlin, with a small string of half a dozen horses. That all changed last season when Gereon literally burst onto the scene, establishing himself as on of the top two year olds in Germany last season. Second in this seasons German 2000 Guineas followed by an unlucky third in the Oppenheim Union Rennen proved that he retained his class from last year, and with veteran Swiss jockey Georg Bosckai replaced by top Irish rider Johnny Murtagh, Gereon could have a chance. The manner of his staying on third in the Oppenheim Union Rennen (1m 3f) suggests the extra furlong here will not be a problem, and there will not be a more popular winner of the race, especially as Zschache still has yet to register a win this season as a trainer.7 Saltas (GER)
Trainer: Peter Schiergen
Jockey: Andrasch Starke
2-124
Had three of today opponents ahead of him in the Oppenheim Union Rennen at Cologne when seemingly holding every chance a couple of furlongs out. That run suggests he might not get hom over todays extended trip, however he is the choice of stable jockey Andrasch Starke, and did have Mawingo behind him when second to Earl of Tinsdal at Frankfurt.8 Brown Panther (GB)
Trainer: Tom Dascombe
Jockey: Richard Kingscote
1-4111
Started his career by winning a low grade maiden race on the all weather course at Southwell in November, but has gone from strength to strength this season, with wins in handicap at Chester, Haydock and most impressively last time out at Ascot, all over todays distance. Handles any ground, and is so highly regarded by connections that he was nearly supplemented for the Irish Derby as well. The lack of Group form may raise question marks, but he looked something special at Ascot, and with the German form appearing quite muddling, Brown Panther is taken to be the second successive English trained winner of the German Derby following Buzzwords success last year.9 Theo Danon (GER)
Trainer: Peter Schiergen
Jockey: Andreas Suborics
215-415
Austrian born Andreas Suborics,one of the top riders around, has always been of the opinion that Theo Danon is a real Derby horse, however on recent form, it’s difficult to understand his opinion. Soundly beaten in two attempts at group level, however did beat Ametrin in a Listed race at Hannover. Described by his jockey as ‘a big baby with bags of promise’, the formbook says he doesn’t have much chance, however it would be foolish to dismiss the claims of former champion jockey Suborics.10 Silvaner (GER)
Trainer: Peter Schiergen
Jockey: Terry Hellier
11-43
Winner of the Group 3 Preis des Winterfavoriten at Cologne, one of Germanys top two years old races last season, Silvaner was last seen when finishing third in the Bavarian Classic at Munich. Seemingly weakening some way from home, he stayed on again over the 2000 metre (1 ¼ mile) distance to finish third, and being by Lomitas out of a Monsun mare is bred to stay the extra distance of todays race. Reunited with Terry Hellier who rode him to victory at Cologne, Silvaner could go well at a big price.11 Earl Of Tinsdal (GER)
Trainer: Andreas Woehler
Jockey: Eduardo Pedroza
11-14
Lost his unbeaten record when running about all over the place in the Bavarian Classic at Munich, however with regular rider Eddie Pedroza not taking the ride that day, maybe that run can be forgiven. Had previously beaten both Saltas and Mawingo in the Metzler Rennen, and with his ability to handle any ground, Earl of Tinsdal could be an each way chance now reunited with four times champion jockey Pedroza.12 Waldpark (GER)
Trainer: Andreas Woehler
Jockey: Jozef Bojko
-111
The only unbeaten horse in the race, Waldpark stepped up on his maiden and handicap victories by landing the Derby trial at Baden-Baden last month. A wide margin winner in his first two races, Waldpark had 2 ½ lengths to spare at Baden-Baden despite running off a true line. Relatively unexposed, and still looks to be improving. A lively outsider, and not without a chance.13 Sommernachtstraum (GER)
Trainer: Waldemar Hickst
Jockey: Stephane Pasquier
-222
Still yet to register a win, but only found Waldpark too ood for him last time. Top French jockey Stephane Pasquier has missed a big days racing at Chantilly for this, but the horse has it to do on the form book.14 Ordensritter (GER)
Trainer: Horst Steinmetz
Jockey: Davy Bonilla
The oldest trainer in Germany, 78 year old Horst Steinmetz sent out Nicaron to win this race in 2005 for the same owners as Ordensritter, and Frenchman Davy Bonilla again takes the ride as he did in 2005. However, has finished 7th in his only two races at Group class and doesn’t look up to winning this.15 Tahini (GER)
Trainer: Jens Hirschberger
Jockey: Michael Cadeddu
-133
The fifth and final Schlenderhan runner, Tahini started his career in impressive fashion at Cologne over todays distance in April, but has been beaten in two Derby trials since.16 Appleby (GER)
Trainer: Sascha Smrczek
Jockey: Daniele Porcu
-3322
Consistent performer at a lower level but has it all to do on the form book having been well beaten by both Tahini and Mawingo.17 Mi Senor (GER)
Trainer: Andreas Woehler
Jockey: Steffi Hofer
25-2314
Bidding to become the first lady rider to win the German Derby, Steffi Hofer takes the ride of the third of trainer Andreas Woehlers horses, with race sponsor Albert Darboven being the owner. Looked impressive when an 8 length victor of a conditions race in Munich but had his limitations exposed when only fourth in the Bremen Derby trial, and can be passed over here.18 Hoseo (GER)
Trainer: Erika Maeder
Jockey: Henk Grewe
8-94639
The rank outsider whose only foray into Pattern class saw hin finish tailed off last of nine in a Listed race at Bremen last time out. Erika Maeder trained Ransom O’War to finish second in this race back in 2003, however Hoseo is nowhere near that class and has no chance here.VERDICT:
At first glance, this appears to be a trappy renewal of the German Derby, as a lot of the main protagonists have beaten each other. However, looking at overseas form, two candidates stand out. Ibicenco was only beaten a short head in a French Group 3 last time out, however BROWN PANTHER looked a class act when winning the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot by an impressive 6 lengths. Earl of Tinsdal and Waldpark from the Andreas Woehler yard have each way chances, whilst Peter Schiergen can never be written off in the German Derby, and his Silvaner could go well at a big price.
PREDICTION:
1ST – 8 BROWN PANTHER
2ND – 5 IBICENCO
3RD – 11 EARL OF TINSDAL
4TH – 12 WALDPARK
5TH – 10 SILVANER
6TH – 6 GEREONI know the horse well, as he used to be with my trainer Alex Hales in Banbury, and I can tell you he’s a talented animal. Infact so talented, that I advised Christian to buy him at the recent Doncaster sales….but we were outbid!!!! I’d even planned a couple of races for him in Europe that I thought he would go well in! Actually, one of them was the Swedish Grand National at Stromsholm, and Lucinda took Ormello there this year. You never know….!!
As mentioned on another thread, I’d backed Crackerjack King, but having seen him run before, I knew the colours and that the horse was a grey that wore blinkers. I watched the race in my local bookmakers along with some friends who had also backed Crackerjack King knowing I had, and also saw it napped in the RP. As the field came down the home straight, I could see Crackerjack King having all kind of traffic problems and being unable to make any headway, so I said to my mates ‘Sorry lads, he’s well beaten’. About 5 seconds after that, suddenly I heard on commentary ‘And here comes Crackerjack King on the outside’. My mates were on their feet, but I could see he was about 12th! I looked again, and thought ‘What’s going on’. As the horses neared the line, again the commentator mentioned him! My mates were going absolutely crackers, and were jumping around hugging each other as the winner crossed the line!! Even worse, the bookmaker shouted me across, saying ‘Well Done Darren!!’ and was getting ready to pay me out!! Eventually, I screamed at the top of my voice ‘HE HASN’T WON!!!! THAT WASN’T HIM!!!’ Even then, the bookmakers display had Crackerjack King as the winner!! It wasn’t until about 20 seconds after the end of the race that the correct result was shown.
The only thing I can think of is that both Crackerjack King and Reliable Man were grey, I think the only two greys in the race. Maybe Bartlett made a note that Crackerjack King was grey, but didn’t realise that Reliable Man was.
I remember being at Kempton a few years ago and Mike Cattermole making the same mistake in a race that Khyber Kim won. In my eyes , it’s a thankless and very difficult task being a commentator. I made a huge mistake commentating on a race at Auteuil once when a German horse finished seventh – but I had it as second, talk about VERY similar colours!! We’re all human, we saw Frankie make an error on Friday, Barzalona almost make one yesterday – today just happened to be Ian Bartletts turn. The only worse thing I can think of is the irony that the actual winner was called Reliable Man – something that unfortunately Mr. Bartlett wasn’t!!
I am in agreement with what people are saying about Barzalona. However, it is very easy to get caught up in the moment when you have won a major prize. Some of you will be aware of my ‘antics’ in December 2008, when our horse Fiepes Shuffle, won the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton. For a stable like ours to come over from Germany and win such a big race, it really was a very special day, however, whilst walking in with the horse to the winners enclosure, I got slightly carried away, leaping around and punching the air like a total lunatic – and not only was it was broadcast live on ATR, but some photos appears in the following days papers!! The simple fact is, it’s adrenaline. That was a very special day for me and all within the stable, and when you’ve achieved something you’ve pretty much dreamt about, I think you’re entitled to a little celebration!
OK, what Barzalona did might not be right in everybodys eyes, but put yourself in his place – you’re riding in the biggest race of your life, you’re in last place, then you horse flies down the home straight, you know you’ve got the victory – aren’t you going to get just a little bit excited?
I actually think Clare Balding is one of the best presenters around on TV, but if I remember correctly, her family does have an association with the Royals going back a few years. I seem to recall her father training for the Queen in the 1970s and 1980s, and Willie Hastings-Bass/Lord Huntingdon (who I believe is quite closely related to the Baldings) trained for the Queen as well, so maybe such a close association over the years could have maybe influenced her, however I actually know someone, who really isn’t a racing fan as such, who went to Epsom today (and I quote) ‘to see the Queens horse win the Derby’.
Just like Choisir, Takeover Target, Miss Andretti and Starspangledbanner and Scenic Blast were taken down by the "finest British Sprinters"?
Well said Admiral!! And you can also add…
Equiano (Spain, won 2008 Kings Stand Stakes for Mauricio Delcher Sanchez).
Ialysos (Greece, won Group 3 at Sandown).
Agnes World (Japan, beat several British trained horses when winning the 1999 Prix de l’Abbaye).I was a racemeeting in Germany last weekend, where I had a very interesting conversation with a stablelass who had been speaking to Andreas Suborics the day before, and there was two things in the main that worried him about todays race – the ground, and if he would be taken on upfront. I think to see Overdose at his very best, he needs to break quickest of all, and the ground needs to be no quicker than good. From a personal point of view, if this is the case, then I would be a bit worried about him going for the Kings Stand Stakes – I expect the ground will be fast, and I’m sure he will be taken on again. Personally, I think we’ll see the real Overdose in the Abbaye – the ground should be softer, and maybe he might be able to dictate like he did in 2008.
Last year, I was at Hoppegarten with Overdoses former trainer Sandor Ribarski who showed me pictures of his injured hoof, and they were pretty nasty. I’m not a vet, but I’m pretty sure a hoof shouldn’t be blood-red in colour – it really looked red raw, and Sandor even then said to me that fast ground can aggravate the injury. I just hope he comes out of the race OK, but in my opinion, I would run him somewhere where there is more give in the ground. One thing is for sure though – I certainly wouldn’t write him off just yet!
Eddie Pedroza has been German champion jockey for the last four years now and currently lies second in this years title chase, but I can tell that there’s a new kid on the block in Germany, and like Pedroza, he hails from Panama! I was at Mannheim races on Sunday, and Pedrozas trainer, Andreas Woehler sent a horse over there to be ridden by Fernando Guanti. I’ve never heard of this guy before, but my word he was impressive! Funninly enough, when he won, there was a bit of panic because no-one knew if he actually spoke German, so I was put on standby incase he only spoke English, however, even with a Spanish interpreter found, Guanti covered the interview in excellent German. There’s actually a couple of pictures of him in the Mannheim report on my website at http://www.anglogermanracing.com/news.php – apologies for the shameless plug, but just scroll down to the 8th and 9th photos, and you can see him. He moved over to Germany four years ago but he’s been mainly work riding in that time for the Woehler stable. However, he looked a really decent rider, and if given the chance, could turn out to be a bit of a star.
Here’s another horse to name:
Who ran in the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup in the same meeting?
It’s the horse of Fergus and Judith Wilsons a couple of years back – and I can’t remember it’s name!!!!
*walks around the house for a few minutes…*
Contraband!!!!!
I think it started at around 500-1 for both races if I remember correctly as well.
Zaynar has been declared to run in a hurdle race at Enghien this Thursday, with Daryl Jacob taking the ride. However, he won’t be the only British raider as Lucy Wadham is sending two German bred horses over for the race, Super Directa and Victorias Groom, ridden by Dominic Elsworth and Christophe Pieux respectively. However, from a personal point of view, I’ll be looking out for Merger, owned by a very good friend of mine and one of the most delightful people in racing, Simone Auer, who hails from just outside Mannheim. Merger is the love of her life, and he’s been out injured for about two years now. However, Simone has never given up on him, and although he’ll probably need the run, it will be fantastic to the the horse back on a racetrack, which I can tell you is something I thought would never happen.
Isn’t Ferdy talking or running Poker de Sivola in France later in the year as well?
I’ve heard the Grand Steeplechase de Paris mentioned for the horse. It’s the biggest chase in France, worth about 850,000 Euros. I know that it has been mentioned as a target for Kauto Star in the past as well, It’s run over 5800 metres (3m 5f) on the last Sunday in May.
