Dardanos stuns German Derby field
Outsider Dardanos produced a massive upset when he captured the Group 1 157th Deutsches Derby at Hamburg, handing trainer Andreas Wohler a sixth success in Germany’s most prestigious Classic.
The son of Soldier Hollow went into the race as an unfancied 84-1 outsider after finishing runner-up in the Listed Dortmund Derby Trial. Few expected him to challenge the leading contenders, but the colt defied the odds.
Ridden by Wladimir Panov, Dardanos broke sharply from the stalls and settled just off the pace before tracking the leaders through the early stages. As the field turned for home, Panov guided his mount wide, allowing him to build momentum.
He crossed the finish a length clear of Liberty Racing runners Chiefland and Salitos, who filled the minor placings, while Kairos finished fourth.
The victory marked a career highlight for Panov, who was securing his first Deutsches Derby success.
“He is such an easy horse to ride,” the jockey told the media. “He is so relaxed, does everything you want, and I had a perfect trip. It is an emotional moment and I am overjoyed.”
Wohler trained 2014 Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist.
The Ozzie Kheir-owned favourite Bay Of Brilliance was well-beaten in 17th.
