Livestream from Cologne & Hanover

Thursday, June 19 Cologne | Start of first race: 2 p.m.

Will Schiergen jump on the Derby bandwagon for Schiergen?

After the game is always before the game, the next one that is. In keeping with the old soccer adage, this is how the situation looks for some three-year-olds ahead of Corpus Christi race day in Cologne. After a spectacular Union race, the focus at the Weidenpescher Park racecourse is already back on the last Derby tickets for the Blue Ribbon on July 6 in Hamburg-Horn. And once again, the big stables from the cathedral city are well represented. Above all, Schiergen (Andrasch Starke) is expected to qualify for the Derby for his namesake, Cologne's champion trainer Peter Schiergen. However, after his previous performances, Serienadler, who came third in last year's Preis des Winterfavoriten and was ridden by reigning jockey champion Thore Hammer-Hansen, must also be taken into account.

One of the “horses to watch” is also Waldnebel (Alexander Pietsch) from the Grafenberg stable. This Düsseldorf hope for Hamburg should also have a serious say in the matter. At least, that is what his trainer Sascha Smrczek is convinced of ahead of this endurance test over the Derby distance of 2,400 meters. So excitement is guaranteed.

In the “Großer Preis der Cölner Hofbräu FRÜH,” the flyers have the say

1,400 meters, 25,000 euros in prize money, and nine quick-starting specialists. These are the best conditions for the actual sporting highlight of the day. Here, talented three-year-old sprinters compete against numerous older specialists. A French guest is also traveling to Cologne especially for the event. Breizh Sky will be ridden by top Dutch jockey Adrie de Vries, fresh from victory in a similar race in Hanover. Trained in Chantilly by father and son Botti, the favorite is likely to set the standard against the local horses in the main race.

However, Hoppegarten guest Big Secret, who has made the long journey from Berlin, should also be considered a contender. The best chances from Cologne stables are probably Eckhard Sauren's gelding Shootout (Thore Hammer-Hansen) and the Brümmerhofer mare Canada (Andrasch Starke), who, like Fährhoferin Santara (Martin Seidl), will be lining up in the starting box for trainer Peter Schiergen's powerful Asterblüte stable.

FRÜH Summer Race Day

The FRÜH Summer Race Day is supported by our catering partner Früh Kölsch and Früh Gastronomie GmbH & Co KG. FRÜH has been a partner of the Cologne Racing Club since 2021 and ensures the well-being of our guests with numerous catering options in the spectator area, where fresh Früh Kölsch is of course available almost everywhere. Further information about Früh's offerings at the Weidenpescher Rennbahn can be found here: Früh em Tattersall

Puppet theater as the highlight of the family program

With summer temperatures expected, visitors can once again look forward to an exciting and varied family program. Younger guests can enjoy free pony rides, a bouncy castle, and soccer darts.

Children can also look forward to the “Barbarella” puppet theater. There will be three 30-minute performances. The first, entitled “Das Neinhorn” (The No-Horn), will take place at around 2:10 p.m. (after the first race). The second performance begins after the fourth race and is entitled “Kasperle im Zauberwald” (Kasperle in the Enchanted Forest) (approx. 3:45 p.m.), while the third and final show, again entitled “Das Neinhorn,” starts after the seventh race.

Of course, the popular mascot Galoppi will also be there again to pose for photos and sign autographs. Those who want to get creative can take part in face painting.

After Race Open Air Party

Following the last race, the first After Race Open Air Party of the 2025 season will take place at the wine bar. Presented by PLUS ONE, Tobi Xander will play a melodic house music set as the sun sets.

Friday, June 20 Hanover | Start of the first race: 4:30 p.m.

After-work race day with nine exciting horse races and the Turf Bundesliga

End a sunny day at the racetrack – this popular motto has been putting into practice for years and will once again be the order of the day this Friday at the Neue Bult. What could be better than enjoying the special atmosphere of nine exciting horse races in summer weather after work? Especially since a varied culinary offering awaits visitors at the construction industry's after-work race day. The event starts at 3:30 p.m., with the first race starting at 4:30 p.m.

The highlight of the day is the Hargassner Trophy, a €20,000 Ausgleich I race over the long distance of 2,800 meters – the Bundesliga of horse racing. Seven horses will compete in this top event. The highest weight will be carried by Nastaria, trained by Anna Schleusner-Fruhriep, who won the main race on the last day of racing at Neue Bult. Jozef Bojko will be in the saddle again, but at 62.5 kilograms, the task is a challenging one. Kalia, now in training with former jockey Andreas Helfenbein, could be an exciting opponent. She is still unbeaten this season and weighs 9.5 kilos less. Alexander Pietsch is another experienced rider. Atlantica, trained by Carmen Bocskai, has a chance of a home victory. The mare from the Brümmerhof stud farm is ridden by Corentin Berge, but will need to improve on her performances so far this year.

In the fifth race, the BBK-Bau Cup, a four-horse accumulator bet can be placed on this event only – with a guaranteed payout of €10,000, this is a highlight for all betting fans.

Of the 85 horses starting this Friday, 18 are trained directly at Neue Bult.

Bohumil Nedorostek is saddling seven starters, Christian Sprengel five, Carmen Bocskai four, and Janina Reese two. The best chance of a win in the Germerott Cup (7th race) is likely to be Adio, the three-year-old from Nedorostek, who already gave the members of the traditional Club Neue Bult e.V. something to cheer about on Whit Monday with a commanding victory.

In addition to the sporting highlights, visitors can look forward to a children's area, a children's raffle with great prizes, the popular betting slip raffle, summer temperatures, and a relaxed after-work atmosphere in our Aperol Lounge.

Tickets can be purchased online for €12.00 or at the box office on race day for €14.00 (discounts available for schoolchildren, students, etc.). Children under 12 are admitted free of charge. Parking is free on race day.

The race start times, ticket shop, and further information can be found on the website.

Source: Deutscher Galopp