Guten Tag, Germany
Local horse racing fans will soon be able to enjoy a new addition to Singapore Pools’ growing stable of international venues – Germany.
From April 13, Pools’ wagering services will be extended to the 202-year-old European racing jurisdiction, which will become the 12th market the Singapore gaming company has penetrated.
The other venues on the portfolio are Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, South Africa, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates and the latest newcomer, Saudi Arabia (in December 2024).
Since its first race meeting held in Doberan on the Baltic Sea on Aug 10, 1822, Germany has been offering world-class competition at scenic racecourses, and thrilling international events for a perfect blend of heritage and prestige.
The postcard-like Baden-Baden with its quaint old-world charm is arguably its most famous racecourse, but German racing’s rich history is also littered with internationally acclaimed horses, jockeys and trainers.
Over the last two decades, champion stallions like Lando, Monsun and Lomitas have left a global legacy of high-quality thoroughbreds such as 2004 Dubai Duty Free winner Paolini, Melbourne Cup winners Protectionist (2014) and Almandin (2016), and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Danedream (2011), among others.
Even less fashionably bred horses like Torquator Tasso made the world sit up and take notice when he sprang a major upset in the 2021 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Trainers and jockeys who put German racing on the map include the likes of Andreas Wohler, Andreas Suborics, Peter Schiergen, Andreas Schutz and Andrasch Starke, the latter two the winning trainer-jockey combo for German raider Epalo in the Singapore Airlines International Cup at Kranji in 2004.
From the iconic Deutsches Derby in Hamburg to the prestigious Grosser Preis von Baden, both run over the classic 2,400m distance, Germany offers an unparalleled racing experience, which Singapore racegoers will have the privilege of catching a slice of.
The inaugural meeting on April 13 will be held in Dusseldorf and will consist of seven races which kick off at 7pm Singapore time at half-an-hour intervals.
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