News 07.07.2019
LACCARIO triumphs in IDEE 150th Deutsches Derby (07.07.2019)
 
Raw emotions ruled at Hamburg Horn's racecourse today and did so for several reasons. The excitement was palpable at the course, race announcer Marvin Schridde's voice flopped for sheer profound emotion, and Manfred Ostermann and Eduardo Pedroza shared a heartfelt embrace—and had all reason for it. For Pedroza it was his first win in sixteen attempts in Germany's most prestigious race and the team around Gestuet Hof Ittlingen had been waiting for twenty-five years for a derby win after Laroche's victory in 1994. But one after the other …

Following his impressive speed explosion in the Union, LACCARIO entered the most important race of Germany's racing year, the $650,000 IDEE Deutsches Derby, as the highest rated horse. The fact that this was the 150th edition of the classic and as such a reason to celebrate made it all the more special.

LACCARIO, who is described by the trainer's wife Susanne Wöhler to be like a lamb at home, presented himself fresh and confident, just like expected of a real pro. A lucky draw with starting gate 4 and a jockey, who served his horse with a dream trip, all came together to create a successful experience. When the gates flew open for the 2400 m classic, Pedroza positioned LACCARIO immediately along the inner rails where the colt had a somewhat restless but also ground-saving trip.

As soon as the field left the final turn to enter the stretch, the pair found a hole on the inside and thanks to LACCARIO's powerful turn of foot, the colt jumped ahead and found himself challenged by his hottest opponent Django Freeman (Lukas Delozier). The two colts battled head-to-head for a furlong until LACCARIO was able to draw clear around the 200 m marker and secured a one and a quarter length advantage at the post.

What a horse he is, this colt! Trainer Andreas Wöhler had testified LACCARIO qualities similar to his sire SCALO (Lando - Sky Dancing) who entered stud duty in 2013 and now has his first derby winner. One could say that LACCARIO continues the tradition of his family, because as a son of the Lomitas-mare LACCATA, the colt is actually a great-grandson of the top-mare LAUREA who had two derby winners in LAROCHE (1994) and LANDO (1993) in two consecutive years.

To take a home-bred horse, from the sire as well as the dam line, to such important success requires a generous amount of luck and also an outstanding team effort! We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the team at our stud farm for their amazing work with our offspring, trainer Andreas Wöhler, his wife Susanne and their entire team as well as jockey Eduardo Pedroza, who we proudly and joyfully congratulate to his first victory in the German Derby!