Image: Goliath; www.marcruehl.com
Entry List for the Baden Grand Prix
Derby winner Hochkönig and many other star thoroughbreds have been entered for the 156th Baden Grand Prix
Baden-Baden-Iffezheim, April 28, 2026 (MH) – The highlight of the 2026 season at the Baden-Baden-Iffezheim racetrack is already on the horizon: The 156th Grand Prix of Baden on the final Sunday of the Grand Week, from August 29 to September 6, is once again expected to be a gathering place for star thoroughbreds from Germany and abroad. Established in 1858, this Group I race over a distance of 2,400 meters is considered an important preparatory race for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on the first Sunday in October at ParisLongchamp. Most recently, in 2021, Torquator Tasso achieved the coveted double, a feat previously accomplished by, among others, the wonder mare Danedream in 2011.
The prize money for the 156th Baden Grand Prix on September 6, 2026, totals 300,000 euros. The owner of the winning horse alone will receive 165,000 euros.
Is Goliath set to defend his title?
As of the entry deadline today, Tuesday, April 28, 64 horses had been entered. The race is now closed. The field is looking for a successor to the world-class racehorse Goliath—co-owned by German interests but trained in France—who triumphed in the 2025 WETTSTAR.de 155th Baden Grand Prix and is once again among the entrants.
Of course, all the big names in Germany’s Grand Prix scene are in the mix. Take Derby winner Hochkönig, who was just named Horse of the Year for 2025 and who, in 2025, secured the first victory in the Blue Ribbon with a female jockey (Nina Baltromei) in the saddle. The impressive Gostam, winner of the Renate and Albrecht Woeste – Future Race and the WETTSTAR.de – Winter Favorite Prize, the former Derby runner-up and Derby Italiano winner Borna, former Winter Favorite Lifetimes, multiple Group winner Lordano (most recently successful in the Grand Prix Aufgalopp), and runner-up Enzian—these are just a few of the local stars. Seven candidates alone are wearing the colors of Darius Racing, Stefan Oschmann’s racing stable.
Enormous fan enthusiasm at the Grand Prix
The international field is also very strong. Marco Bottis’s Giavellotto is an absolute star, well known on the international stage for finishes such as fourth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and victory in the 2024 Hong Kong Vase. Sir Mark Prescott could field the top mare Tiffany. She won the T. von Zastrow Stutenpreis here in 2024 and, in 2025, finished second in the Prix de l’Europe and the Grosser Preis von Bayern, among other races.
French star trainer Francis-Henri Graffard is represented by five contenders, including, as already mentioned, last year’s winner Goliath. Leading English trainer Andrew Balding has entered four horses. Dubai Honour, from the William Haggas stable and runner-up in 2024 and 2025, could compete again and possibly finally secure victory on his third attempt. Charlie Appleby has entered three horses for Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin stable, including Rebel’s Romance, a globetrotter and two-time Breeders’ Cup winner with over €12 million in career earnings! Joseph O’Brian’s prominent stable is also represented with seven entries, including Al Riffa, who is very well known in Germany.
Stephan Buchner, managing partner of Baden Galopp: “In terms of the quality of the horses, the entry list leaves little to be desired. We’ve also nearly matched last year’s numbers and are very satisfied. We’re therefore already looking forward to our season’s highlight on September 6.”
Ten race days in 2026 as well
The racing season in Iffezheim kicks off with the Spring Meeting from June 4 to 7, 2026. Ten race days are also planned for 2026 in Iffezheim.
Tickets for all areas are available via the website www.badengalopp.de.
Dates of the Baden Galopp 2026 racing events
Spring Meeting:
Thursday, June 04 (Corpus Christi)
Saturday, June 06
Sunday, June 07
Big week:
Saturday, August 29
Sunday, August 30
Tuesday, September 1
Saturday, September 5
Sunday, September 6
Sales & Racing Festival:
Friday, October 16
Sunday, October 18
