Riding triumph in the Derby: Mülheimerin Claims Victory at the German Galop - "Drives with the finesse of a motorist"
In a thrilling finish at the Hamburg-Horn gallop racetrack on July 6, 2025, Nina Baltromei made history by becoming the first female jockey to win the 156th German Derby. Riding the three-year-old stallion Hochkönig, Baltromei secured victory in the prestigious Group 1 race over 2400 meters, with a prize of €650,000[1][2][4][5].
The race was a dramatic one, with Baltromei launching a late surge to overtake the favored Convergent near the finish line[1][5]. This win not only marked a personal milestone for Baltromei but also a significant breakthrough for female jockeys in German horse racing, breaking a longstanding gender barrier at the Deutsches Derby[4][5].
Hochkönig, a Polish Vulcano son, was bought for a low five-figure sum last year and is owned by the Cloverleaf stable, which is associated with Hans Bierkämpfer from Dortmund and Bernd Robert Gossens from Issum[6]. The horse, which was in the back of the 17-horse field at the start of the home straight, displayed a rare speed burst in the final stretch, propelling Baltromei to victory[7].
Baltromei, an amateur jockey, began her training as a professional in the spring[8]. Her victory in the German Derby, traditionally dominated by professional male jockeys, reflects an advanced level of skill and preparation to compete and win in one of Germany’s top racing events[4][5].
Trainer Yasmin Almenräder from Mülheim/Ruhr expressed her enthusiasm about the race, praising Baltromei's performance[9]. Despite keeping out of all position battles during the race, Baltromei's strategic approach paid off, leading to a historic win.
However, the race was not without incident. The French horse The Sheriff sustained a severe injury 600 meters before the finish[3]. The Sheriff was taken to a clinic for treatment.
Baltromei, a woman from Mülheim, has now etched her name in the annals of German horse racing, embodying both her skill as an amateur jockey and a breakthrough for women in the sport[1][2][4][5]. The German Derby, the most important event of the season, has once again proven to be a stage for exciting competition and groundbreaking achievements.
References: [1] https://www.racingpost.com/news/german-derby-2025-nina-baltromei-becomes-first-female-winner/586648 [2] https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/288080/nina-baltromei-becomes-first-female-winner-of-german-derby [3] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/article-11827575/The-Sheriff-injured-German-Derby.html [4] https://www.racingpost.com/news/german-derby-2025-nina-baltromei-becomes-first-female-winner/586648 [5] https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/288080/nina-baltromei-becomes-first-female-winner-of-german-derby [6] https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/288080/nina-baltromei-becomes-first-female-winner-of-german-derby [7] https://www.racingpost.com/news/german-derby-2025-nina-baltromei-becomes-first-female-winner/586648 [8] https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/288080/nina-baltromei-becomes-first-female-winner-of-german-derby [9] https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/288080/nina-baltromei-becomes-first-female-winner-of-german-derby
Sporting rivals should be wary, as Nina Baltromei demonstrated exceptional racing skills, winning the German Derby on July 6, 2025, in an unforgettable horse-racing tournament. With her victory aboard the three-year-old stallion Hochkönig, Baltromei made history as the first female jockey to triumph in this prestigious Group 1 race, breaking the longstanding gender barrier in German horse racing.
