IDEE Derby Meeting: Sales targets achieved – historic Derby celebrated

For Johann-Heinrich Riekers, treasurer of the Hamburger Renn-Club e.V. (HRC), two topics were particularly important: the IDEE 156th Derby, which was won by Hochkönig and Nina Baltromei, is a historic event, as it was the first time in the history of the Derby that a woman has won, and the HRC's financial situation, which is looking very positive thanks to the successful sale of the HRC's racecourse. German Derby, won by Hochkönig and Nina Baltromei, is a historic event, as it is the first time in the history of the Derby that a woman has won, sending the visitors to the track into raptures. In economic terms, the IDEE Derby Meeting will close with a turnover of just under three million euros after five days of racing.

Hochkönig wins under Nina Baltromei in the IDEE 156th German Derby, Gr.1 © Marc Rühl

However, the initial assessment of the IDEE Derby Meeting 2025 encompasses much more. ‘We also received criticism in the run-up to the event because we agreed to the redistribution of race days proposed by the umbrella organisations,’ said Hans-Ludolf Matthiessen, Chairman of the HRC. "At this point in time, we can say that there is definitely room for improvement, but the criticism from outside is not justified. One of the goals was to run the Derby on hardly used ground, and that has been achieved. We also have the rare advantage in Hamburg of having an additional inner track." The scheduling of the 2026 IDEE Derby Meeting is not yet an issue, as the HRC is considering several options. Race dates must be submitted to the German Horse Racing Association by 30 June. There are several options for the distribution and organisation of the race days.

The head of the meeting in Hamburg-Horn was also pleased to note the increase in track revenue in the Hanseatic city, especially in the IDEE 156. In the German Derby, the share of win-place bets increased by ten percent. This is a very good sign, because we want to have an audience and atmosphere at the racecourse and we also want new visitors."

The inclusion of Derby Day in the World Pool, the global betting pool, was once again a great success. In Hong Kong, five races on Derby Day generated around 15 million euros in turnover, with the Derby taking centre stage. A percentage of these revenues is transferred to Germany, which is used to finance investments by the race organisers and, to a lesser extent, to the HRC. Overall, Hans-Ludolf Matthiessen emphasised that this integration also serves to enhance the international image of German horse racing.

Derby steeped in history

With the first victory by a woman in the German Derby after 155 years, 27-year-old Nina Baltromei made history at Hochkönig. ‘The cries of “Nina, Nina” in the stands showed how much the people were carried away and thrilled by this race,’ said Johann-Heinrich Riekers, ‘in terms of atmosphere, this was perhaps the best Derby since 1999.’ The horses also promoted German horse racing. Hans-Ludolf Die first four horses were well rated. Now we have to see if and which races they will continue to run, which is important for the rating."

Source: Press release Hamburger Renn-Club e.V.