Outclassed, Outnumbered, But Germany Still Out To Defy Odds

Host takes on likes of Map Of Stars, Calif in Group 1 Bayerisches Zuchtrennen, Munich

- Michael Lee

Germany may not have yet earned a place in the pantheon of European horse racing like its richer cousins England, Ireland or France, but come every July to September, it gains international Group 1 traction.

The most coveted event is arguably September's Grosser Preis von Baden (2,400m) at its postcard-like Baden-Baden racecourse, but the Bayerisches Zuchtrennen (2,000m) in Munich is not far behind on the radar of local, English and French trainers alike, and even beyond.

Since the UK-trained and top US jockey Steve Cauthen-ridden Imperial Fling became its first victorious offshore contender in 1979, 18 more such foreign raiders have followed suit. The UK (12) and Godolphin (four in 2001, 2018, 2020 and 2023) are the most successful among trainers and owners respectively.

The tide seems to have turned that way even more significantly in the last decade or so, with the trophy whisked away from home soil seven times since 2016.

This year is no different for the 2,000m contest, also commonly known as the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis since the German coffee brand sponsored the race in 1996.

The 2025 renewal of the 159-year-old Bayerisches Zuchtrennen on July 27 (8.10pm Singapore time) is again lopsided towards the visitors—both in quantity and quality.