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 {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LION ROARS TO TOP SPOT
John Anthony is right up with the pace as the speed horses kick on again
JUST STAY IT AGAIN SAM!
Paul Jacobs relishes a grand October climax with final Flat season flourish
TROY JOY OPENS THE FLOODGATES
lan Heitman recounts a month of stunning track highlights
FINEST LAP OF HONOUR
Graham Buddry tells the dramatic tale of Australia's brilliant Southern star
DOWN LAMBOURN WAY
Richard Eagle brings news from the Valley, Epsom and beyond
BOY WILL STEP UP IN THE WET
Ben Morgan sticks to his guns with 10 top tips to follow in the coming weeks
CUTTING BACK TO THE OLD DEBATE
Rolf Johnson weighs up one of racing's perennial chestnuts
FROM BOOK TO BOOKIES
The former Sky frontman turns detective in hunt for Arc clues
FUM-ING BUT NO DISGARCE
Jeremy Grayson picks it up in the sticks after a late summer jumps break
MEMORIES OF SIR MICHAEL'S EARLY DAYS RUN SO DEEP
Dave Youngman looks back at Michael Stoute's road to success