Historic German Derby Victory for Nina Baltromei

Groundbreaking Achievement in Hamburg Classic

Nina Baltromei has etched her name in European racing history by becoming the first female jockey to win the German Derby, steering Hochkonig to a thrilling victory at Hamburg on Sunday. The 26-year-old amateur rider’s triumph came 46 years after Monika Blasczyk became the first woman to ride in the race.

The photo finish victory marked Baltromei’s 50th career success and came on the eve of her 27th birthday, creating a perfect storm of personal and professional celebration. Hochkonig, trained by Yasmin Almenrader, was sent off at odds of 19-1 in the 17-runner field but timed his challenge to perfection.

Baltromei’s emotional reaction reflected the magnitude of her achievement: “I hadn’t even realised I’d won. It was just incredible how everyone supported me here.” The daughter of the late trainer Werner Baltromei continued her family’s racing legacy in the most spectacular fashion possible.

Dual Female Triumph Creates Racing History

Yasmin Almenrader also created history by becoming the first female trainer to saddle a German Derby winner, making Sunday’s result a landmark moment for women in European racing. The trainer-jockey combination demonstrated the changing face of professional racing across the continent.

Karl Burke’s Convergent was denied by the narrowest of margins, falling just short of becoming only the second British-trained winner since Buzzword in 2010. The Newtown Anner Stud-owned colt had been attempting to add the German Derby to last year’s 1000 Guineas success with Darnation.

The 13,681 spectators at Hamburg-Horn racecourse erupted in celebration as Baltromei returned to the winner’s enclosure, with the historic achievement resonating far beyond German racing circles. The victory provides inspiration for aspiring female riders worldwide.

Hochkonig’s success was particularly meaningful as he was bred by Marc and Gabi Rühl, with photographer Marc having captured Derby winners at Hamburg since 1988. The Polish Vulcano colt’s victory created a fairy-tale ending to a remarkable racing story.