Campanologist Lands Rheinland-Pokal

The Godolphin team notched yet another German group I victory when Campanologist drew off to an easy win in the Rheinland-Pokal (Ger-I) at Cologne Aug. 15.

This was the second group I victory for the 5-year-old Campanologist, who also captured the Grosser Preis von Lotto Hamburg (Ger-I) in July. Godolphin’s 3-year-old colt, Buzzword, has also had success in Germany this season, winning the IDEE Deutsches Derby (Ger-I) a day after the Lotto Hamburg.

Missing out on the victory was regular rider Frankie Dettori, who not only had to deal with flight delays when trying to get to Dusseldorf, but then also got stuck in traffic 25 miles from the race course due to an accident.  

As a result, Dettori never made it to the track, and a substitute jockey needed to be found. Benefitting from Dettori’s misfortune was Adrie de Vries, who had been scheduled to ride Weiner Walzer in the race. The 2009 German Derby winner was withdrawn earlier in the day due to the testing conditions of the course.  

The field was reduced further with the scratch of Titurel, which left five to go to the post. Norwegian-based Appel Au Maitre, the only runner who had shown a previous liking for soft going, was sent to the front by jockey Fredrik Johannson.  

The pair set a moderate pace as they led the field throughout the early stages of the race. Appel Au Maitre increased the tempo on the backstretch, and by the time the field entered the home straight, the 6-year-old horse was two lengths in front.

Looming on the outside, Campanologist was now under a drive by de Vries, and the pair swept to the front with two furlongs to go. Campanologist continued to increase his lead in the final furlong, eventually crossing the line 3 1/2 lengths in front.

Appel Au Maitre held on for second, a head in front of Zazou. Final time for the 12 furlongs was 2:40.81 over a course listed as “soft”.

A thrilled de Vries told reporters after the race, “Everything went like a dream. We were always going well and when I asked him to go, he picked up like a class horse.”

Winning trainer Saeed bin Suroor added, “The jockey gave him a great ride; I asked him to get him relaxed and running sweetly and he did just that.

“We will quite likely bring him back to Germany for the Grosser Preis von Baden (Ger-I, Sept. 5).”

Campanologist is by Kingmambo 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.