Autumn’s final blaze of glory arrives this Saturday on November 15th at the STADTWALD RACECOURSE, (Krefeld Racing Club 1997 eV) where the RONDO FOOD GmbH & Co KG Grand Prix – Duke of Ratibor Race crowns the German flat racing season. The scene is set for an unforgettable afternoon, bursting with seven thrilling contests from 1:00pm to 4:15pm, and a card that boasts one of the strongest line-ups of the year.
Racing Club President Horst Wittfeld couldn’t have summed it up better:
“We could even have split two races, but ultimately decided on one split, which means we’re offering seven races on our last race day.”
This decision means 78 horses will go to post across seven races, with everything from maiden sprints to Group-level clashes lighting up the turf. It’s the kind of finale that celebrates everything the local turf stands for — quality fields, homegrown stories, and the thrill of competition under the fading autumn light.
What to Look Forward To
- Lommi Leads the Autumn Charge: The heart of the day beats strongest in the €55,000 Duke of Ratibor Race, the final Group race of the season, where two-year-old talents will battle not just for glory, but for early Derby dreams. All eyes will be on Lommi, trained by Henk Grewe, a colt whose rise from Krefeld breeding grounds to Group favourite has been nothing short of sensational. Backed by owner Eckhard Sauren and guided by Thore Hammer-Hansen, he faces formidable rivals like Abachi, Nitaro, and True Lion—each ready to challenge the local hero’s crown.
- A Heartfelt Tribute to Mario Hofer: Among the afternoon’s highlights, one race stands apart for its sentiment and legacy — the “Mario Hofer’s Trainer Career Prize.” Dedicated to the Stadtwald stalwart who recently announced his retirement, the 1,700-meter contest for winless three-year-olds celebrates decades of dedication, determination, and love for the sport.
With the Krefeld Racing Club board presenting the trophies alongside Hofer himself, it promises a moment of emotion and applause as the community honours a man whose name has long been synonymous with Krefeld racing.
A Day of Racing, Rhythm, and Revelry
Beyond the racing, the Stadtwald will hum with family fun and festive warmth.
- Children can enjoy carousel rides, bouncy castles, and glitter tattoos.
- The Rotary Club Krefeld serves mulled wine for charity and Inner Wheel delights visitors with fresh waffles.
- To keep the spirits high between races, the Prince’s Guard marching band will fill the air with classic tunes.
- With fine horses, generous prize money, and a crowd-ready carnival feel, this grand turf finale promises a perfect blend of competition and celebration—a closing chapter worthy of the season that was.
A Season Ends Where Legends Begin
Race 1: Rennen des Oberrotweiler Winzervereins (1:00pm, 1300 meters)
The opening act of the day sets the tone with youthful promise. PIED BLANC, BEST CHARMING and SUPER MARCY will try to make their presence felt early, while TACITA, SALITO and ZEEROVER may come into their own as the race unfolds.
Trainer Henk Grewe eyes an early strike with KOFFI AMORCITA, a daughter of Alson owned by Darboven, carrying the air of quiet confidence from Cologne. This race is where tomorrow’s stars take their first breath of spotlight — a prelude to what could be a defining afternoon. Stakes: 10,000€
Race 2: Preis der Trainerkarriere von Mario Hofer (1:30pm, 1700 metres)
The second contest of the day is more than just another test of form — it’s a tribute. A race that honours Mario Hofer, the veteran Stadtwald trainer whose career has defined an era. LOUP D’ARGENT, KING KARIM, NARESH, NIGHT LORD and GALLANT GOLD will look to rise in this emotional tribute, while PIVOTAL AFFAIR, trained by Romy van der Meulen and partnered by Anna van den Troost, could carry the sentiment home. Expect a blend of nostalgia and excitement — this one celebrates more than a win; it celebrates legacy. Stakes: 10,000€
Race 3: Preis des Extra Tipp am Sonntag (2:00pm, 2200 metres)
The third race of the day brings stamina and strategy to the spotlight. Over the demanding 2200 metres, UNEX FRIENDLY, SOMMERBERGER and ROGUE MISSION will test their staying power against LET HIM RUN FREE, MISS CHACHA and SALIMERO who could spring a surprise if the tempo plays their way.
ZAPFENSTREICH, guided by apprentice Senan MacRedmond, claims a handy three kilos and looks poised for a strong showing. Expect a tactical battle — a contest where patience might matter more than pace. Stakes: 8000€
Race 4: Grosser Preis der RONDO FOOD GmbH & Co. KG – Herzog von Ratibor-Rennen (2:30pm, 1700 metres)
The afternoon reaches its peak with Krefeld’s crown jewel — the Duke of Ratibor Race, a Group III spectacle. This is where future champions earn their early stripes and reputations are forged on raw ability. ZUENDER, ABACHI and LOMMI will look to make their class count, while NARIMAN, NITARO and TRUE LION could upset the odds if the rhythm suits their stride. Stakes: 55,000€
Presented by Mr. Dirk Wellen, Managing Director of RONDO FOOD GmbH & Co. KG, this race stands as both a sporting highlight and a proud tradition. Every stride here carries weight — of prestige, preparation, and promise.
Race 5: Preis des heißen Eisens – PREMIUM HANDICAP (3:00pm, 1300 metres)
The fifth race brings a sharp shift in pace — a sizzling Premium Handicap, marking Krefeld’s ongoing drive to elevate its racing card. FAVORITE CRIME, ZERAPHINA and PRINCE PERCIVAL will try to seize control early, with INVINCIBLE ROYALE, SUGAR INTHEMORNING and MAID OF DRAGON lurking dangerously behind.
The field also welcomes international flavour, with visitors from the Netherlands like King of the Night and Lady Lovebug adding intrigue. Blink and you might miss the finish — this one promise fireworks from the gates. Stakes: 15,000€
Race 6: Rennen um das Weihnachtssingen des Krefelder Rennclubs am 23.12.2025-Viererw. mit 10.000€ Garantie (3:45m, 1700 metres)
As twilight approaches, the festive spirit takes over in the Christmas Carol Race, a crowd-pleasing handicap offering a guaranteed €10,000 Superfecta payout. MAGADAN, FRANKY’S DREAM and MISS HOLLYWOOD could make the most of this cheerful yet competitive test, though ARTISTIC MISSION, ABBA’S ANTON and MORINDOO might just spoil the party if rhythm and ground align. It’s a race where form meets fortune — and both enthusiasts and fans have something to sing about. Stakes: 10,250€
Race 7: Rennen um die Saisoneröffnung am 26. April 2026 (4:15pm, 2200 metres)
The final race of the day brings the curtain down on Krefeld’s season with the gentle glow of nostalgia. The Race for the Season Opening might sound like a beginning, but today, it feels like a fitting goodbye. ADJÖ, under Nina Baltromei, carries both form and familiarity, and could deliver a closing moment worth remembering. Still, DICKSON, POWER OF LIPS, ALL MY LOVING, GOLDEN SPIKE and DORTMUNDER might not make it easy — every stride will count as daylight fades. Stakes: 8000€
As the sun dips behind the Stadtwald trees and the grandstand begins to quiet, Krefeld bids farewell to another memorable day of racing. From the promise of two-year-olds to the grit of seasoned handicappers, each contest carried its own pulse, its own story. The cheers, near-misses, and photo finishes leave behind more than results — they leave moments that will echo until the gates swing open again. With tradition upheld and new memories made, the Krefeld Racing Club closes its season not with an ending, but with anticipation — a quiet excitement for where the next racecourse will take us.
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