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.
Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CAL'S UP TO TOP SPEED
John Anthony keeps close watch on the top ranking track fliers
ACTION REPLAY
Graham Buddry recalls the exploits of legendary hurdler Large Action
SHADOW IN THE LIMELIGHT
lan Heitman follows the fortunes of next year’s leading Classic prospects
GONE WILDE
Rolf Johnson fears the effects of a thoroughbred market bubble’
DIGGING OUT THE JUMPERS
The former Sky Racing frontman is all geared up for the change of codes and clothing
MORE AMO FOR RALPH
Dave Youngman shares the joy and gossip from the Newmarket gallops
GO COSMIC NEXT YEAR
Andy Ayres shares his pick of punting prospects from the autumn action
NICO'S CAREER LEAP TO GLORY
Nick Townsend talks to Nico de Boinville about his life-changing choices
ALL SET FOR FRESH START
Karl Hedley is on the spot for the new season action across Ireland
DAN'S GRAND BID DAWNING
Paul Ferguson tracks a route for Skeltons from Carlisle to Aintree