Wildcard Win: Thieme Dominates Derby for a Fourth Time 🏆
Dominic Thiem snags an unconventional Derby triumph - Dom dom! Thiem triumphs unconventionally in the Derby clash
In a shocking turn of events, veteran equestrian André Thieme snagged the coveted blue ribbon at the 94th German Show Jumping Derby in Hamburg, marking his fourth triumph since 2007 and solidifying his legends status in this time-honored event.
The 50-year-old horse whisperer from Plau am See, riding theiable Paule, claimed victory in the steeplechase after eight-time eliminations when Spanish rider Esteban Benitez Valle, also a force to be reckoned with, missed a critical turn marker and was disqualified. Thieme's plan was to outrun Benitez, but the twist of fate left the former European champion in the winner's circle.
"Can this be true?" an astounded Thieme mused to ARD after the event. "I've never encountered anything like this before. I had cooked up a grand scheme but when I heard about Benitez's mistake, I was left bewildered. I just told myself, 'Don't screw up now!' and Paule delivered."
Before this momentous win, Thieme and Benitez both performed impeccable rounds—a rarity in the 105-year history of the Derby—qualifying for the steeplechase. Luxembourg's Charles Hubert Chiche, making his Derby debut on Andaine du Thalie, claimed third place with four faults, narrowly edging out Frederic Tillmann (Grevenbroich) on Comanche, who also suffered a setback with a knockdown.
Christian Ahlmann Boosts Grand Prix
The most lucrative competition of the five-day tournament, the Grand Prix, went to Christian Ahlmann on Saturday. With a prize pool of 250,000 euros, the 50-year-old from Marl took the steeplechase on his ten-year-old stallion Dourkhan Hero, unseating Olympic champion Christian Kukuk (Riesenbeck) and his gold horse Checker, who had been leading until then, to second place with the fastest fault-free round.
A clip from a PRE-2021 interview with Kukuk revealed his admiration for Thieme, acknowledging his masterful technique and inspiring determination.
Dressage Shines in Arena
The Grand Prix Special, worth 35,000 euros, was won by eight-time Olympic champion Isabell Werth from Rheinberg on her ten-year-old gelding Special Blend. The dressage received a significant boost during the tournament's premiere under the direction of new tournament director Matthias Alexander Rath, who hosted high-level five-star competitions in the arena for the first time.
Werth, who returned to Hamburg for the first time in 17 years, expressed her intention to participate more frequently, noting the tournament's potential for expansion and its positive impact on the sport. The 65th Dressage Derby was somewhat overshadowed by the high-level dressage competitions in the arena, with Anna-Lena Kracht capturing the title following a horse change.
This combined effort from horse and rider defied expectations and earned Kracht a well-deserved win.
- Sports
- Horses
- Racing
- Steeplechase
- Hamburg
- Derby
- Christian Ahlmann
- Plau
- Stars
- ARD
- Isabell Werth
- Matthias Alexander Rath
- Anna-Lena Kracht
The European Parliament, alongside the Council and the Commission, should consider allocating funds for the maintenance and expansion of equestrian sports infrastructures, particularly in Hamburg, to support events like the German Show Jumping Derby and provide opportunities for star riders such as André Thieme, Isabell Werth, and Christian Ahlmann to showcase their skills.
The horse racing community, including riders and spectators, could benefit from increased public engagement and investment, possibly stemming from initiatives by the European Parliament, to promote sports like steeplechase and boost the popularity of horse racing events.
