Historic First as Nina Baltromei Claims Deutsches Derby Glory Aboard Hochkonig

[Wandering Eyes]

With the late scratching of France's leading contender Juwelier (Wootton Bassett), the path was left clear for domestic hope Hochkonig (Polish Vulcano) and British raider Convergent (Fascinating Rock) to battle out a thrilling finish to Sunday's G1 IDEE 156h Deutsches Derby at Hamburg.

With a delayed photo verdict heightening the drama, the crowd were in raptures once Hochkonig was confirmed the short-head winner, with Nina Baltromei becoming the contest's first female rider to celebrate glory.

Baltromei employed patient tactics from the outset and settled Hochkonig off the pace in rear for most of the 12-furlong Classic. Making smooth headway into contention in the straight as the pacesetting Delgardo (Best Solution) wilted up front, the 183-10 chance was stoked up with 300 metres remaining and stayed on relentlessly to shade the Karl Burke-trained G3 Chester Vase third on the line after a ding-dong tussle. Stall Lucky Owner's G2 Gran Criterum winner Lazio (Make Believe) fared best of the rest and ran on strongly to finish two lengths adrift in third.

It was a second Classic of the year for Yasmin Almenrader, who also saddled runaway G2 German 2000 Guineas heroine Matilda (Soldier Hollow), and the trainer was emotional in the aftermath of a first success the Germany's premium event. “I am absolutely speechless,” she said. “I am somewhat overawed, by Hochkonig and by Nina, who rode such an intelligent race. Hochkonig is a real racehorse and he takes everyting in his stride, but it does take a lot to win such a race. Many thanks also to the breeders Marc and Gabi [Ruehl].”

Owner Stall Cloverleaf has just two horses in training and, continuing the underdog theme, Hochkonig was bred by photographer Marc Ruehl along with his wife Gabi. They keep their horses at home, based near Bergheim, not far from the illustrious Gestut Schlenderhan. Hochkonig's sire Polish Vulcano is a son of Lomitas, who is also the sire of top South African sire influence Silvano. Former amateur Nina Baltromei becomes the second apprentice to win the contest, emulating Otto Schmidt aboard Amorino in 1916, and this was her 50th career victory. The race was out of bounds for female jockeys until 1979.

“I have not yet comprehended that I actually won,” beamed Baltromei after receiving a boisterous reception from the packed enclosures. “This is absolutely awesome and especially so having received so much support from everyone.”

 

What a race in the German Derby!

HOCHKÖNIG denies CONVERGENT thanks to a super ride from Nina Baltromei in the G1 Deutsches Derby. #WorldPool | @wettstar_de pic.twitter.com/daSgqzj0Uj

— World Pool (@WorldPool) July 6, 2025

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