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Leading competitor in the final race of the season

In October 3rd, the 101st consecutive running of 'The Great Prize of the State Capital' takes place, marking the culmination of the 2021 season for the Düsseldorf Riding and Racing Association (DRRV). The finale race unfolds on the Grafenberg racecourse.

Front-Runner in the Season-Ending Race
Front-Runner in the Season-Ending Race

Leading competitor in the final race of the season

The Düsseldorf Riding and Racing Club is set to host the 101st edition of the Grand Prix of the State Capital on a day filled with excitement and equestrian excellence.

The event, which has been a special highlight in the history of equestrian sports in Düsseldorf, will begin at midday, with the first start of the nine scheduled races planned for 1:45 pm. The main race, a Group III European race for gallopers three years and older, will cover a distance of 1,700 meters.

The race features seven starters, including an international guest, vying for the coveted replica of the Düsseldorf Rheinturm, the prize for the winner. Notable horses such as "Nebos" (1980), "Königsstuhl" (1981), and "Orofino" (1982) have made it into the winners' list, adding to the prestige of this historic race.

Last year, the 100th edition of the race saw an outsider, Wonnemond, take the victory. This year, the competition promises to be just as intense.

The Düsseldorf race is endowed with 50,000 euros. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a maximum of 10,000 visitors are allowed, including all participants and staff. Admission requires a 3G certificate, and the 2G rule applies for the reception in the Tea House.

Visitors can expect a diverse supporting program, including the Equestrian Art art exhibition, children's area, pony rides, and various stands and interactive activities. The race day will be broadcast live on Magenta TV's #dabeiTV channel from 2:45 pm to 4:45 pm. All races will also be streamed on www.duesseldorf-galopp.de and on the YouTube channel of the German Racing Association.

Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller and Peter M. Endres, President of the Düsseldorf Riding and Racing Club, will welcome guests at a reception in the Tea House of the racecourse. The race has been held at the Grafenberg racecourse since 1918, with the exception of the years 1920, 1921, and 1945.

Max Schmidt has won the race five times, followed by Peter Alafi with four victories. Heinz Jentzsch holds the record for most wins by a trainer, with eight victories in the "Grand Prix of the State Capital".

For those interested in the historical winners of the race, it is recommended to consult specialized archives or official race records related to Düsseldorf's Grand Prix, such as local sporting authority websites, historical racing databases, or archives of German sports federations.

The Düsseldorf Grand Prix of the State Capital is more than just a horse race; it's a tradition, a celebration, and a testament to the enduring spirit of equestrian sports in Düsseldorf. Tickets can be purchased through the racecourse's webshop or at the box office on the day of the event. Don't miss out on being a part of this unique experience!

The Grand Prix of the State Capital, a major equestrian event in Düsseldorf known for its thrilling racing action, will commence with the first start of nine scheduled races at 1:45 pm, with the main race, a Group III European horse-racing event, covering a distance of 1,700 meters. The competition this year is expected to be as intense as last year's edition, where an outsider, Wonnemond, took the victory.

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