Aspirations for Olympic glory in Klein Flottbek
Hamburg: Derby Park Seeks Renovation for Olympic Aspirations, Smolders Wins Championship
In a championship backed by a €80,000 prize fund, the course proved challenging yet achievable for most competitors, with 16 out of 55 pairs successfully completing it without fault. The decisive factor for the win came down to speed and composure in the jump-off, with experienced Dutchman Harrie Smolders taking the trophy on his gelding Mr. Tac. Jana Wargers from Westphalia, despite a valiant effort on the 16-year-old mare Dorette, settled for second place, receiving applause and €16,000 in prize money.
Following the rain showers on the opening day, the Ascension Day course showed remarkable resilience, thanks to a decision made over a decade ago by the Hamburg Senate, led by Ole von Beust (CDU), to invest nearly €1 million in the park’s underground and grass infrastructure. Prior to this, the areas between obstacles and especially the top of the wall were often slippery mud tracks after heavy rainfall. Veteran horseman and Derby legend Achaz von Buchwaldt praised the excellent conditions, deeming them suitable for the upcoming event on Sunday, where Simon Heinicke (Stall Moorhof) trains a promising outsider.
The renewal of the dilapidated tribunes began this year, aiming to meet the standards required for potential Olympic Games in Hamburg. The North German and Flottbeker Riding Club (NFR) invested around €250,000 alongside new derby chief Matthias Rath. Discussions regarding the renovation details took place in a members’ meeting on May 14. The next two years will focus on tackling problem areas of the warm-up zones and the main tribune, as per the contract between both partners. The refurbished tribune, constructed in the 1950s, passed a safety test in 2024 and was approved for continued operation.
The NFR plans to install a photovoltaic system on the new roof, generating electricity for the facility and the neighborhood, as suggested by the club's 1st chairman, Dietmar Dude. Meanwhile, the horse sports festival, set to take place from June 20th to 22nd, promises thrilling displays for the youngsters.
A notable participant in the Derby qualification was 70-year-old Karl-Heinz Markus from Emsland. Riding his self-bred mare Fiona, Markus secured a third-place finish and €4,275 in prize money. His willingness to compete in the Derby on Sunday is yet to be determined after the second qualification on Friday. Other prominent competitors include the 47-years-younger Irishman Ciaran Nallon, Guy Williams from Britain, and local matador Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann. However, their positions do not necessarily guarantee a top spot.
The search results offer no substantial information about the current status of the tribune renovation in Derby Park or its connection to any potential Olympic Games in Hamburg. Further research may be necessary to address these details accurately.
Sports-betting enthusiasts might find interest in the upcoming horse sports festival at Derby Park, given the promising participants such as Ciaran Nallon, Guy Williams, and Janne Friederick Meyer-Zimmermann, as well as the unpredictable factor of wildcards like Karl-Heinz Markus. The sports-analysis of the Derby could also provide valuable insights, considering Markus's third-place finish in the qualification and his intention to compete in the main event. The renewed focus on the renovation of the tribunes at Derby Park, aiming to meet Olympic standards, could further impact sports-betting odds and sports-analysis predictions for the event.
