by Karsten Bonsdorf, USTA web newsroom correspondent

Tamla Celeber — the only mare in the German Grand Prix raced on Sunday (Oct. 16) at Bahrenfeld, Hamburg — was an easy winner for her regular driver, Ôrjan Kihlström.

A field of 13 4-year-old trotters lined up behind the gate in the 1-11/16th-mile event, which had a purse for the winner of $110,000.

Kadet C D, with Robert Bergh of Sweden, who a week ago won the European Trotting Derby, the Grand Prix de l’UET, went to post as the even money favorite. But after the first round, Bergh made a decision which did not turn out well. He went for the lead, but didn’t get it, and instead opted to place Kadet C D behind the leader, Kaka of Austria. Around the last bend, Kaka tired and Kadet C D had no place to go.

Orjan Kihlström had Tamla Celeber well placed during the race and took command going around the last corner. Nobody was able to follow the Cantab Hall mare, who won very easily in 2:00f (mile rate). Germany’s Baltimore AS, driven by Roland Hülskath, finished strongly to take second, while another Swedish trotter, Västerbo Face It, driven by Heinz Wewering, was third. Kadet C D went off stride down the stretch and was disqualified.

This was win number 19 from 24 races for Tamla Celeber, who now has earnings of more than $900,000. She is owned by the Courant Stable, which has made some heavy investments in the sport within the last five years.

Roger Walmann is the trainer of Tamla Celeber and he’s also the trainer of another mare, Calamara Dona, who the heat race, Hamburg Cup, with Ôrjan Kihlström the bike. The purse for the winner was $27,500.