NEWS von Donnerstag, 01.01.2026
For our english speaking friends
Applause for the champions
Straubing launches the Winter Meeting on 6th January – Eight very interesting races
“Every applause carries the promise of a new beginning.” Few sayings could fit better than this one for the season opener on Epiphany Day, January 6, at the Straubing race track. After the fifth race, Straubing’s track champions will be honored – with small gifts and well-deserved applause. But on this race day, the champions must earn that applause all over again. Champion driver Christoph Fischer, amateur champion Dr. Conny Schulz, leading trainer Robert Gramüller, top owner Stall Wieserhof, and Horse of the Year Unfinished Business are all back in action as the Straubing Winter Meeting starts. The meeting consists of five race days, and it is a special feature that all local champions are represented right from the start. German Silver Helmet winner Christoph Schwarz is also strongly engaged.
Race 1:
The tough and honest Valesco (Dr. Conny Schulz) takes the role of the one to beat after defeating a serial winner last time out. Happy Jack (Stefan Hiendlmeier) could be ready after a break if he stays calm. Eberhard Truppo (Moritz Ecke) showed excellent form at a higher level; if he finds the front, he can lead this throughout. Chantielle (Romina Geineder) is already proved herself abroad.
Our Pick:
(3) Valesco – (6) Eberhard Truppo – (2) Happy Jack
Race 2:
Straubing’s amateur champion Dr. Conny Schulz again looks to have prime winning chances with Forrest Big Effe. The Italian is mainly his own worst enemy. Rozmarin (Georg Bachmeier) will try to beat him. Bossa Nova (Peter Platzer) has yet to transfer his work to race conditions. Mon Amie (Vitus Schwaiger) is noted as a potential surprise.
Our Pick:
(2) Forrest Big Effe – (5) Rozmarin – (9) Bossa Nova
Race 3:
Once again Dr. Conny Schulz holds the reins behind the favorite Negresco. The Tobin Kronos son is extremely reliable and usually involved in the finish, though not a penalty. In strong hands, Mercedes AMG (Martin Geineder) looks like the main challenger. Gri Barack (Herbert Tuscher) raced at age-group level. Kador du Choquel (Ferdinand Veit) is also capable of winning, while Foxtrot Jet (Moritz Ecke) can surprise if he trots.
Our Pick:
(3) Negresco – (2) Mercedes AMG – (4) Gri Barack
Race 4:
A battle for the lead is expected. Both Magnum Stone (Michael Larsen) and Dream of Action (Christoph Fischer) are keen to control the race early. But both may struggle against Desiderio (Christoph Schwarz), who keeps winning at a higher level. Miss Red Lady (Stefan Hiendlmeier) comes from a layoff and is very classy. Postillon (Peter Platzer) has already won in Straubing and his form isn’t a question mark. Lambo Fortuna (Tobias Mehlsteibl) possesses strong class and showed his true ability in a qualifier; even after a trainer change, he must be included for the superfecta.
Our Pick:
(6) Desiderio – (5) Miss Red Lady – (7) Postillon – (1) Lambo Fortuna
Race 5:
Another Superfecta race, and a very open one at that. Despite a tricky draw, Indy (Christoph Schwarz) could make it work again. Unfinished Business (Christoph Fischer), the Horse of the Year, had no racing luck recently. Ukrainian Derby winner Ideolog (Vitus Schwaiger) is not easy but extremely strong. Fly Home, Jerry Box, Maneli, and Marilyn Boko all deserve consideration.
Our Pick:
(7) Indy – (8) Unfinished Business – (3) Ideolog – (10) Maneli
Race 6:
Magicblue (Christoph Schwarz) recently defeated the talented Mateo KS (Christoph Fischer). A form reversal would not come as a shock this time, especially given Mateo KS’s better post position. El Chapo (Andreas Geineder) remains a reliable contender.
Our Pick:
(8) Magicblue – (6) Mateo KS – (9) El Chapo
Race 7:
Despite a layoff, Pearl Victory (Christoph Schwarz) looks like the clear benchmark. The well-bred mare should handle Grazia Patrizia (Herbert Strobl) and Great Darkness Fire (Robert Pletschacher), who returned strongly from a break, even if she is not yet at peak fitness.
Our Pick:
(7) Pearl Victory – (3) Grazia Patrizia – (5) Great Darkness Fire
Race 8:
We close with a select group of French trotters – quality over quantity. Hello Sport (Stefan Hiendlmeier) could not wish for a better engagement. If he stays relaxed, he should take them all the way. Stablemates provide the main opposition: Iathenus Day (Christoph Fischer) has been “explosive” since joining Manfred Schub but must concede the full handicap. Fan d’Arifant, one of the most successful French-breds in Germany, still dreams of one more big day despite being past his absolute peak.
Our Pick:
(2) Hello Sport – (6) Iathenus Day – (5) Fan d’Arifant
