Waldpark Impressive Winner of German Derby

Waldpark took command with more than a furlong to run and drew off for an impressive two-length victory in the $415,578 Deutsches Derby (Ger-I) at Hamburg July 3. Stablemate Earl Of Tinsdal finished second, giving trainer Andreas Wohler a one-two sweep in the German classic.

The son of Dubawi improved his record to four wins from as many starts for owner/breeder Gestut Ravensburg.

A field of 18 runners went to the post in the Derby, with British raider Brown Panther sent off as the favorite. The son of Shirocco was sent to the front immediately from the start, as jockey Jozef Bojko was content to let Waldpark relax and rate in midfield.

As the field entered the home straight, Brown Panther continued to hold onto a slight advantage. The testing conditions were beginning to take their toll, however, as Brown Panther began to run out of gas with less than two furlongs to run.

Bojko had moved Waldpark in the clear on the outside, and the pair came storming down the center of the course to roll past the longtime leader for an impressive victory. Earl Of Tinsdal got up for second, with Saltas another two lengths further back in third. Brown Panther faded to finish fifth.

Final time for the 12 furlongs was 2:40.29 over a rain-soaked course listed as good.

Waldpark is out of the dual champion Wurftaube, a daughter of Acatenango who was champion 3-year-old filly and champion older mare during her racing career. He is a half-brother to stakes winner Waldvogel (by Polish Precedent), and to the stakes-placed Waldmark (by Mark of Esteem).