What Are The Most Popular Horse Races In Germany?

Horse racing is a global sport, and we can see big races attracting many spectators all over the world. Germany is in the same boat. Okay, horse racing might not dominate the sports headlines here the way football does, but it still has plenty of fans and history that stretches over 200 years.

This means that there are a lot of prestigious races, which may not be at the same level as the Kentucky Derby, but they are still worth seeing.

So, if you are planning on a trip to Germany and you are a horse racing enthusiast, which is the best time to visit and where to go? Let's find out.

Deutsches Derby

If you ask a German racing fan about which is the top horse race here, most of them will point you straight to the Deutsches Derby. This is a Grade 1 flat race for three-year-old thoroughbreds, so we are talking about the highest level of horse racing, kind of like Formula 1 in the world of motorsports.

This race is held every July at Hamburg-Hor Racecourse, and it has a long history. Here is a fun fact: Did you know that the Deutsches Derby is actually older than the Kentucky Derby?

This race has been running since 1869, although it was originally dubbed the Rennbahn-Deutschland Derby, and it covers a grueling 2,400 meters (about 1.5 miles).

Now let's talk about something more interesting - money. Why is this one of the most prestigious horse racing events here? Well, it has a prize purse of EUR650,000, which sounds attractive to many top racehorse owners.

This race was originally born as an answer to classics like the Epsom Derby, and some argue that it is not as popular as the Epsom Derby, but it was Germany's ticket to enter the high-class world of horse racing.

We've seen plenty of big horse racing names here, like Fantastic Moon, which won in 2023, and Palladium, which won last year. So, if you are thinking about attending the Deutsches Derby, make sure you are familiar with all types of horse racing bets; you'll need some betting skills to pick the winning horse.

Grosser Preis von Berlin

Next, we head over to Berlin, to the Grosser Preis von Berlin, which happens at Hoppegarten Racecourse in August.

This is another Group 1 race, which is open to thoroughbreds three years and up, and same as the previous race it is stretching over 2,400 meters.

However, the prize purse for the Grosser Preis von Berlin is a lot less. This race offers a EUR175,000 purse, which may be lower, but it is still a lot of money. This race was once called the Deutschland-Preis, and it has been happening since the late 19th century.

What makes it special? Well, Hoppegarten is one of the largest racecourses in Germany, with a history tied to Kaiser Wilhelm I's era. Definitely a must-visit destination for horse racing enthusiasts.

Preis der Diana

Have you ever heard of the German Oaks? Well, this is a name that refers to the Preis der Diana, which is a Group 1 race, taking place in Düsseldorf in August. It seems that the summer season is the best time to visit Germany for horse racing enthusiasts.

This is a shorter race than the ones we covered before, stretching 2,200 meters, and has a prize purse of EUR250,000.

What makes it popular? Well, this is one of the oldest horse races in Germany (not the oldest one, we will cover older ones later in the article) that started in 1857.

Grosser Preis von Baden

Down in Baden-Baden, the Grosser Preis von Baden is a late-summer highlight. Held in early September at Iffezheim Racecourse, this Group 1 race covers 2,400 meters and dangles a EUR400,000 purse for horses three and older. It's part of the "Grosse Woche" (Big Week), a festival that's as much about glamour as galloping.

This one's a magnet for foreign runners--think French and British champs squaring off against German hopefuls. It's earned a rep as a stepping stone to the Arc, with winners like Danedream (2011) proving their mettle here before conquering Paris. The setting's gorgeous, the stakes are high, and the hats. Outrageous. It's a racing party with serious cred.

Union-Rennen

If you are not into flashy prize purses or world-class horses, and you want to experience a bit of horse racing history, then Union-Rennen is the race to attend. This is the oldest continuous race in Germany, dating back to 1834.

Okay, it may be a Group 2 race for three-year-olds with a prize purse of EUR70,000, which doesn't attract many big horse racing names, but it is still a race that you must visit, especially if you are interested in horse racing history.

Why These Races Stand Out

Germany's racing scene isn't the biggest in Europe, but it punches above its weight. These events blend tradition with competition--think centuries-old races meeting modern prize money that lures global talent. Tracks like Hamburg, Hoppegarten, and Baden-Baden aren't just venues; they're landmarks with stories, from wartime interruptions to post-reunification revivals.

For enthusiasts, it's the mix of accessibility and excitement that hooks them. You don't need a royal invite to enjoy these days out--tickets are reasonable, and the vibe's welcoming, whether you're a punter or just there for the ponies. Plus, German-bred horses, known for stamina over speed, often surprise on the world stage, adding hometown pride to the mix.