If you're after comparisons, Hamilton Park is the best I can offer. In the suburbs of Germany's second city, the U-Bahn (or, at least, a repair bus extension of it) has dropped me at Horner Rennbahn, five kilometres from Hamburg city centre. Distant flats loom over a white-painted weighing room.
A paddock lies amongst reeds and wooden saddling boxes. The grandstand opens onto the street. And, to my right, a multi-story hotel complex sits beside a cross-course tunnel. Hamburg Racecourse is no beauty (unlike, indeed, the relative charm of Hamilton). And with tickets around 15 Euro, it may seem a strange host for the G1 German Derby. But what this course lacks in appearance, it makes up for in atmosphere.
From the tables of its beer garden, and the tents of its stodge servings, a local crowd fervently cheer home each contest. It's Day 5 of the Derby meeting, and Danedream is front and centre of a nearby German racing power poster. Torquato Tasso nestles to her right. And, should things work out, Fantastic Moon - this year's Derby hero may be joining them next year.
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SHARK'S GOT A BIT BETWEEN HIS TEETH
Alex Gifford reckons Hewick will be ready and refreshed for the National after his Gold Cup absence
THEY'RE BACKING LOSERS AND WE'LL PAY THE PRICE
Rolf Johnson blasts unelected officials meddling with gambling regulations while the 'impotent' BHA stand aside
THERE'S BOUNTI IN IT FOR BOUGHEY
Dave Youngman does the rounds on the gallops at headquarters and spotlights a promising new crop
SUMMER DAYS FOR ALL WEATHER TRIO
It's cash bonuses all round for the stars of rubber and sand, writes Ian Heitman
FOLLOW THE VAN
Paul Jacobs is keeping faith with Gavin Cromwell and last year's Grand National runner-up
IT'S SAFETY FIRST BUT NOBLE'S MY WINNER
Sky Racing frontman Robert Cooper casts a wistful eye back on old-school Nationals - but he's fixed on Yeats
GET SET FOR AN EASTER CRACKER!
Karl Hedley picks out runners and riders who can shine in the aftermath of Cheltenham
COR BLIMEY! WHAT A CRACKING CLIMAX
Ben Morgan looks to Cheltenham stars Slade Steel and Corach Rambler to star on Aintree's biggest day
BANBOU TAKES A BOW
Frero can top 'em in the Topham for Venetia Williams
DAWNING TO OPEN FOR IN-FORM DAN
Ben Morgan sees the Skelton brothers getting off to a winning start on Day 1