Sweet victory for Zuckerhut

13,000 spectators watch Zuckerhut's home victory in the Sparkasse KölnBonn - 190th Union-Rennen The favourite for the IDEE 156th German Derby (Group I, €650,000, 2,400 m), the most important gallop race of the year in this country on July 6, 2025 in Hamburg, has been called Zuckerhut since this Whit Monday, not entirely surprisingly. The three-year-old son of Almanzor, trained by Peter Schiergen for Gestüt Hachtsee at his home track in Weidenpesch, Cologne, won the Sparkasse KölnBonn - 190th Union-Rennen (Group 2, €70,000, 2,200 m), the most important preliminary test for the Blue Riband at the racecourse in Weidenpescher Park in Cologne.

Zuckerhut wins under Andrasch Starke in the Sparkasse KölnBonn - 190th Union-Rennen, Gr.2 © Marc Rühl

Jockey star Andrasch Starke (51) was in the saddle of the 3.5:1 favourite. Zuckerhut thus became the successor to Narrativo, who had won this race in 2024. It was Starke's 6th victory in the Cologne Union since he first won with Caitano in 1997. Zuckerhut stormed away from the back of the field of seven with an ease that thrilled the 13,000 spectators. Without Andrasch Starke hardly having to lift a finger, Zuckerhut was in the picture with his spectacular performance. One length separated the stallion, who won for the second time at his third start, from Hochkönig (Nina Baltromei) in second place. The Mülheim guest of the Cloverleaf stable also ran the expected good race. Ittlingen-bred Abando finished third ahead of Sedano. It will be interesting to see what the Derby will look like in three weeks' time.

VOTE:

Andrasch Starke (rider of the winner Zuckerhut): "He had worked well and I was supposed to ride him out of the reserve. When the gap opened up, he reacted immediately. That's fun when you think about the Derby."

Peter Schiergen (trainer of Zuckerhut); "He is a really great horse. Andrasch gave him an ideal race."

Yasmin Almenräder (trainer of second-placed Hochkönig): "We are very happy, everything is great. Now we just have to keep him fresh for the Derby."

‘Kölsch’ opening victory by Piu Bella and Ismahane recommends itself

The race day, which was well attended in spring temperatures of around 20 degrees, began with a race for three-year-olds over 1,400 metres. Not unexpectedly, victory went to Piu Bella, trained by Andreas Suborics at Weidenpescher Park and owned by Simply Red Stables, with French rider Hugo Boutin in the saddle. In the second three-year-old race of the day, there was a finish that had the spectators on the edge of their seats. Three horses on the line and a nose advantage for Ismahane under the champion Thore Hammer-Hansen against Duchess of Lips and the outsider Danylov even required an enlargement of the finishing photograph. Marian Falk Weißmeier trains the winner in the Krefeld city forest.

FAZIT:

Sonja Hausmann, Head of Private Customers at Sparkasse KölnBonn, also draws a positive balance: "Several thousand visitors were able to experience a thrilling day of racing at the racecourse in Cologne-Weidenpesch on Whit Monday. From exciting finishes in nine races to many family attractions, a varied programme was on offer. Young and old got their money's worth. The highlight was the 190th edition of the legendary Union Race with Sparkasse KölnBonn as the namesake. We are delighted that we were once again able to contribute to the success of this high-calibre and diverse race day as a partner. One thing is certain for me: the next race day can come; I'd love to be there again next year!"

Renn-Verein Managing Director Philipp Hein: "It was one of the most exciting Sparkasse KölnBonn - Union races in recent years. We saw a fantastic winner who is now one of the favourites for the Derby in Hamburg. Our thanks go to Sparkasse KölnBonn, which was once again the sponsor of the Sparkasse KölnBonn - Union-Rennen and the race day this year."

OUTLOOK: The next galloping event in Cologne-Weidenpesch will take place on 19 June (Corpus Christi) with the FRÜH Sommer-Renntag.

Source: Press release Kölner Renn-Verein 1897 e.V.