Image: Augustus; www.marcruehl.com / Use of this image is free of charge in connection with reporting on Baden Galopp
PRESS RELEASE
Spring Meeting from May 30 - June 02, 2024 in Baden-Baden - Iffezheim:
Augustus is the successor to Fantastic Moon
Baden-Baden-Iffezheim, June 01, 2024 (MH) - Augustus is the successor to Fantastic Moon as the winner of an important test for the IDEE 155th German Derby in Hamburg on July 7: The three-year-old stallion Augustus, trained by Waldemar Hickst in Cologne for Klaus Hofmann's Lucky Owner stable, followed in the footsteps of last year's winner Fantastic Moon in front of 7.350 spectators in the Japan Racing Association Derby Trial (Group III, €55,000, 2,000 m) in the footsteps of last year's winner Fantastic Moon, who went on to win the race in the Hanseatic city.
It was an impressive final sprint by Augustus, a descendant of the recently retired top stallion Soldier Hollow. When the favorite Wilko overtook Geminano on the home straight, who had set a very brisk pace on the ground that had become very soft after heavy rainfall, the decision seemed to be made. On the outer rails, the winner of the WETTSTAR.de - Bavarian Classic seemed to be heading for a clear victory. But that was a calculation without Augustus' fighting qualities. Jockey Michal Abik mobilized enormous reserves on the 5.5:1 odds (last time fifth in Munich, still clearly behind Wilko) and managed to turn the tide by half a length at the finish.
Two opportunities for Hamburg
32,000 euros was the winning purse for the Lucky Owner stable. It was the second win for Augustus after a Listed victory in Italy in 2023. This means that the owner and breeder now has two hot horses for the Blue Riband after Wintertraum, who won the Derby Trial in Düsseldorf. "The trainer has done a first-class job," said Klaus Hofmann.
Wilko was defeated in all honors and remains a strong contender for Hamburg. Behind him, there was a gap of ten lengths to third-placed New Emerald. Koelle took fourth place ahead of Geminiano, who faded somewhat at the end. The other Iffezheim representative, Tuppes, did not make it past last place.
VOICES:
Michal Abik (jockey of Augustus): "I had a very good position in the race. Leon Wolff accelerated a little earlier on Wilko than I did, which could have cost him the win on this surface. My horse tackled super and was also able to handle the ground."
Waldemar Hickst (Augustus' trainer): "My horses are often not yet at one hundred percent at the start of the year, but improve afterwards. That was also the case with Augustus. He had worked really well and liked the ground. In my opinion, Wintertraum is even better, the owner thinks Augustus is better. A lot also depends on the ground. Augustus will now go straight into the Derby."
Henk Grewe (Wilko's coach): "He was a bit early in front, but I'm still happy with his performance, all good. Now we go to Hamburg."
Sabine Mathias (owner of New Emerald): "I am very happy with third place. On this ground, the track was a bit wide for him at the end."
Fabian Xaver Weißmeier (Geminiano's coach): "The pace was perhaps a tad too high, but we wanted a fast race. But his running was okay. Now he goes straight into the Derby."
Dates of race events Baden Galopp 2024
Spring Meeting:
Thursday, May 30
Saturday, June 01
Sunday, June 02
Big week:
Saturday, August 24
Sunday, August 25
Wednesday, August 28
Saturday, August 31
Sunday, September 01
Sales & Racing Festival:
Friday, October 18
Sunday, October 20
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Andre Lott
Press contact
Baden Galopp GmbH & Co. KG
Rennbahnstr. 16
76473 Iffezheim
Tel: +49 1736755151
www.badengalopp.de