At the Mariendorf track in Berlin, the 4-year-old Tactical Landing son, Summermusic’night, with trainer/driver Michel F. Rothengatter, won the German Derby confidently ahead of the big favorite Aladin with Michael Nimczyk.
The victory was somewhat surprising because Aladin, who was unbeaten in 10 starts, was the big favorite – and additionally, the second favorite Carpendale had withdrawn.
However, Rothengatter took the lead from the start, controlled the entire race, while Aladin ended up sitting outside in the second lane with no cover.
Summermusic’night won confidently in 1.56.2 (mile rate) – the distance 1,900 meters or 1-3/16th of a mile.
His dam is Somermusic’chapter (sired by Chapter Seven) – she took a mark of Q1.57.3S and has earnings of $44,402. Summermusic’night is her first foal.
The owner and breeder of Summermusic’night is Patrick Maleitzke, who is otherwise world-famous in the sport of polo.
After he married Vanessa Schockemöhle, daughter of the great German horse owner and breeder, Alwin Schockemöhle, Maleitzke developed an interest in harness racing and has imported a number of in-foal mares from the USA.
Sunday’s Derby victory was a breakthrough for Maleitzke in harness racing.
This year’s yearling sale in connection with the German Derby was held on Saturday evening (Aug. 23), and the most expensive was the colt Sergio di Quattro – sired by Face Time Bourbon, who was sold for 75,000 Euros to the Swedish trainer Johan Untersteiner.