Germany’s major horse races have a firm place on the international calendar. This fact is further reinforced by the seventh and final Group 1 race of the season this coming Saturday at the Munich-Riem racecourse. The Grosser Allianz Preis von Bayern will also feature strong contenders from England and France, posing a tough test for the local thoroughbreds. Of the nine horses vying for the €155,000 prize money in the 2,400m race, five are trained abroad.
The most interesting entrant is likely to be the five-year-old Tiffany, trained by Sir Mark Prescott for the Elite Racing Club in Newmarket, England. She seemed a sure winner last year, but Assistent’s passionate and determined performance ensured the coveted title remained in Germany. The mare then took a break until the end of September, making an impressive comeback with a second-place finish in the Preis von Europa (Group 1) in Cologne. Now she has another chance to win at the highest level. Her record speaks for itself: seven wins in 14 starts.
Convergent, the runners-up in the derby, are coming
But the competition appears fierce: Two three-year-olds are arriving from England. Convergent, trained by Karl Burke, boasts particularly impressive credentials: Having been narrowly beaten by Hochkönig in the German Derby, he subsequently won two Group races in Ireland and France. In the Group II race at Longchamp, he finished ahead of Bay City Roller, who is being sent to Munich by George Scott. The Briton enjoys German racing, having recently won the German St. Leger in Dortmund for the second time in a row.
A familiar face in Munich is Junko, trained by the French veteran André Fabre. He won the Grosser Allianz Preis von Bayern in 2023. The six-year-old, owned by the Wertheimer brothers, proved he’s still good enough for such a challenge in the Grosser Preis von Berlin, where he was only beaten by the world-class horse Rebel’s Romance.
Strong German component
The German contingent is led by three-year-old Lazio from the Lucky Owner stable. A third place in the German Derby and a third place in the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis (both Group 1) against strong international competition are solid achievements for Waldemar Hickst’s protégé. Martin Seidl, who considers Lazio the best German horse of the 2022 crop, will ride him again. Alleno (trained by Marcel Weiß), Cold Heart (Peter Schiergen), and the recent Group 3 winner from Baden-Baden, Rashford (trained by Marian Falk Weißmeier), are, like Ami de Vega (Jan-Erik Neuroth), arriving from Norway, clear outsiders in this high-caliber field.
BBAG Auction Race as Hans-Gerd Wernicke Memorial
In the BBAG Auction Race, the Munich Racing Club will pay tribute to Hans-Gerd Wernicke, who passed away in August. This will be a fitting memorial to the owner of Stall Salzburg, who had a tremendous passion for horse racing. In the €52,000 race for the youngest colts currently competing, Perito, from Henk Grewe’s stable, is the favorite. The colt, who won his debut, will face nine opponents, including Anno Solero and Elmo, who will certainly not make it easy for the favorite.
This last premium race day of the year in Germany is guaranteed to attract significant international attention, as races one to four will be conducted in cooperation, and races five to nine together with the World Pool of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, so that the races will be broadcast in 26 racing nations.
Special betting highlights in V4, treble and quadruple bets
Besides the sporting highlights, betting on the Munich races is particularly interesting. The V4 bet offers a guaranteed payout of €33,333 (including a €7,865.25 jackpot). One race earlier, in the 4th race, a trifecta bet with a guaranteed payout of €8,888, including a €2,758 jackpot, will be offered. Additionally, in the 7th race, a superfecta bet with a guaranteed payout of €13,333, including a remaining €3,500 jackpot, will be offered. Given the large fields, top odds should be guaranteed.
Allianz Kinderland and fine gastronomy
At Allianz Kinderland, a bouncy castle, pony rides, a carousel and the clown Pippo await visitors on this day, providing the best entertainment for young and old.
Currently, seats for the second floor of the club grandstand can still be booked online. Besides the best view of the races, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks, making the season finale in Munich not just a sporting highlight.
