Image: Saddadd; www.marcruehl.com / Use of this image is free of charge in connection with reporting on Baden Galopp
Press release
Big Week, August 29–September 6, 2026, in Baden-Baden • Iffezheim:
Saddadd Triumphs After a Thrilling Showdown Against Parachutiste in the WETTSTAR.de – 156th Baden Grand Prix
Baden-Baden-Iffezheim, September 6, 2026 (MH) – A thrilling finale with an English victory in the most important race of the year on Sunday at the racetrack in Baden-Baden-Iffezheim: Saddadd (4.4:1), a co-favorite trained by Roger Varian in Newmarket, England, for Sheikh Ahmed al Maktoum, emerged victorious under jockey Jack Mitchell in the WETTSTAR.de – 156th Grand Prix of Baden (Group I, 300,000 euros, 2,400 m)—the Grand Prix sponsored by Germany’s leading horse betting provider—in front of 18,000 spectators, succeeding 2025 winner Goliath from France. Marc Marshall sang the national anthem “God Save the King” in his honor.
In the home stretch, an exciting final battle unfolded between the French horse Parachutiste and Saddadd, who had been running in the middle of the pack led by Nariman (Lordano did not start due to the dry track). In contrast, the top favorite Giavellotto—who had been bet down to 1.5:1 odds and had started off in a prominent position—was quickly falling back.
Fastest time since 1996
For a long time, it was completely unclear who would emerge victorious from the aforementioned duel, but in the end, Saddadd had just a bit more in reserve and edged past his tenacious opponent by half a length. Saddadd’s owner—who has consistently fielded top horses on the world stage for many years—received 165,000 euros for the horse’s second consecutive victory as a visitor. Saddadd, a four-year-old son of Pinatubo, had been steadily improving. Most recently, he finished fourth in the Eclipse Stakes. This fifth victory in his tenth start was his most significant. His total winnings now stand at 454,806 euros. With a time of 2:27.66 minutes, Saddadd posted the fastest time in this top event on the final day of the “Grosse Woche” since Pilsudski in 1996.
Bright Light, Germany's Best Horse
Parachutiste was a nearly equal opponent and likely delivered his best performance to date while racing in the colors of Qatar Racing Limited. Two lengths behind the two visitors, Bright Light moved up from last place to third and, as the best German horse, delivered another top performance. He finished half a length ahead of the somewhat disappointing favorite Giavellotto, who came in fourth and was unable to make any significant improvement down the stretch. Behind them, there was a significant gap to Spezialist, who ran solidly, as well as Wild Crusade and Nariman, who stood no chance.
VOICES:
Jack Mitchell (Saddadd’s jockey): “It’s fantastic to have won this race—a great performance by the whole team. I’m speechless. Despite the outside post position, I was able to get him settled in the field, and the pace was just right. On the home stretch, my horse really picked up the pace and showed all his stamina.”
Jose Costa (Saddadd’s assistant trainer): “His last performance in the Eclipse Stakes was already impressive. I’m very impressed with him today—he’s a great horse. Many people contributed to this performance. Above all, his development from a three-year-old to a four-year-old was tremendous. This horse holds a very special place in our stable.”
Clement Lecoeuvre (Parachutiste's jockey): “That was probably his best performance of his career so far. A very strong showing, even if it wasn't quite enough in the end.”
Andreas Suborics (Bright Light’s trainer): “At the start, the pace on the fast track was too quick for him. That’s why he wasn’t in the position we wanted. Benjamin Marie gave him some breathing room at the back of the pack. Over the final 300 meters, Bright Light was the fastest horse. He would have performed even better on a soft track. If he stays healthy, we’re heading to the Arc next.”
Billy Loughnane (Giavellotto's jockey): “Unfortunately, he was already a little hyper during the parade. But his performance was okay, even though it was only enough for fourth place.”
Additional dates for the 2026 Baden Galopp horse racing events:
Sales & Racing Festival:
Friday, October 16
Sunday, October 18
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Andre Lott
Press contact
Baden Galopp GmbH & Co. KG
Rennbahnstr. 16
76473 Iffezheim
Tel: +49 1736755151
www.badengalopp.de
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Company headquarters: Iffezheim
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Managing Director: Stephan Buchner
