Campanologist returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in over a year when he cruised to an easy victory in the Preis von Europa (Ger-I) at Cologne Sept. 25.
The son of Kingmambo provided owner Godolphin, trainer Saeed bin Suroor, and jockey Frankie Dettori with their third winner in this race, following Kutub (2001) and Mamool (2003).
A field of six horses went to the post in the Europa, with Earl of Tinsdal, recent winner of the Rheinland-Pokal (Ger-I), sent off as the favorite. Campanologist, who captured the Rheinland-Pokal last year, appeared to be rounding back into form after several poor showings earlier this season. The 6-year-old horse most recently finished second in the International Bosphorus Cup (Tur-II) Sept. 4.
At the start, Earl of Tinsdal and Ibicenco went to the front as Dettori settled Campanologist into fifth. The pair led the field at a steady pace through the early stages of the 12-furlong contest.
As the field entered the home straight, Ibicenco was the first to make his bid, driving past Earl of Tinsdal to take the lead. Dettori moved Campanologist into the clear on the outside, and the duo swept past the longtime leaders to take command with just over a furlong to run.
Ibicenco made a mild bid to retake the lead but was no match for Campanologist, who sailed under the wire 1 1/4 lengths in front. It was another 1 3/4 lengths further back to Earl of Tinsdal, who just held off a fast-closing Saltas for third.
Final time for the 12 furlongs was 2:28.66 over the soft going.
Bin Suroor was pleased with his charge, telling reporters, “We knew he was coming back to his best and the race in Turkey last time brought him on a lot. We shall look for another group I for him now, possibly in Milan in three weeks time.”
Campanologist is out of Ring Of Music, by Sadler’s Wells. An unraced daughter of multiple champion and blue hen producer Glorious Song, Ring Of Music is a half sister to Singspiel, Rahy, and Rakeen. Campanologist was bred in Kentucky by Darley.