Tactical Landing’s Summermusic’night S best in German Derby

by Thomas Hedlund

Mariendorf racetrack in Berlin played host to the $195,000 German Derby for 4-year-olds on Sunday (Aug. 24) afternoon and the big favorite Aladin, who came to the Derby with 11 consecutive wins, had to capitulate to Michel Rothengatter’s Summermusic’night S (Tactical Landing).

Summermusic’night S took the lead immediately in the 1,900 meter race and favorite Aladin had to settle in first over which proved to be too tough this time. Leader Summermusic’night S and Rothengatter had complete control of the situation and the 4-year-old colt won easily in a mile rate of 1:56.2.

Aladin held on for the silver, while Black Heuvelland finished third after a pocket trip.

The $96,000 German Derby for mares was held at Mariendorf the day before, on Saturday (Aug. 23), and the event ended with success for Uffizle (Trixton) and Josef Franzl. The duo came to the lead early in the race and Uffizle then bested her crop sisters as she won in a mile rate of 1:57.4 over 1,900 meters.

WORLD RECORD HOLDER JABALPUR SPRINTED TO NEW VICTORY

Jabalpur (Booster Winner) was a real surprise when he claimed the $210,000 Prix Rene Balliere at Vincennes in June. That day, Jabalpur set new world record over 2,100 meters as he won in a mile rate of 1:50.3.

In Saturday (Aug. 23) night’s $195,000 Grand Prix du Departement des Alpes-Maritimes in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Jabalpur did it again, but this time he wasn’t as big of an upset as in June, but neither as the favorite. Hohneck played the role as first choice, but he couldn’t defend the front position from post 1 start, so instead he had to race first over, which became too heavy for him.

Ideal Ligneries held the pace up in front and Jabalpur was served a ground saving trip by Eric Raffin. When racing room appeared, Jabalpur quickly approached the leader and as the wire came closer, it was clear that Raffin would grab the trophy at the French Riviera.

Jabalpur won in 1:51.4.

Ideal Ligneries was second ahead of Dimitri Ferm.

BORUPS VICTORY VS. FRANCESCO ZET IN SUNDSVALL

Saturday’s (Aug. 30) $200,000 Sundsvall Open Trot is one of the summer’s biggest attractions in Sweden and the event from 2024 has become a classic race, where Francesco Zet disarmed Borups Victory from his first over position and won in a world record mile rate 1:51.3 over 1.3 miles.

The two super trotters will meet again, in the Sundsvall Open Trot and beside the two biggest names in the race, there are several other top horses that will try to bring down the favorites.

SUNDSVALL OPEN TROT 2025

Horse — Driver

1. Jerka Sting — Claes Sjöström

2. Borups Victory — Daniel Wäjersten

3. Francesco Zet — Örjan Kihlström

4. H.C.’s Crazy Horse — Oskar Florhed

5. Bengan — Daniel Redén

6. Staro Mack Crowe — Magnus A. Djuse

7. Mellby Jinx — Björn Goop

8. Hades de Vandel — Robin Bakker

9. Castor The Star — Mats E. Djuse

10. Global Etalon — Carl Johan Jepson