In 2018, I returned to Berlin with Dale Welk, Operations Manager of Standardbred Horse Sales Company, to enjoy the racing again at Trabrennbahn Mariendorf and to consult for Derby-Auktion officials with suggestions about how to improve the customer experience at their yearling auction.

      Oberbaum Bridge                              Jewish Memorial                               Berlin Cathedral

The 2018 German Trotting Derby hosted yet another victory for trainer Paul Hagoort and driver Robin Bakker, who previously won the Derby in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017. Their winning horse was (#4) Mister F. Daag, who set a new race record of 1.12.3 (km rate). Mister F Daag is a son of American sire Conway Hall, out of the Love You mare Miss Love, and was bred by Jean Huls. Video of the race can be viewed here. The 2018 Super Cup Trot was won by #4 Bijou Bourbon H M, a daughter of Sam Bourbon trained by Conrad Lugauer.

      Art on Remanants of the Berlin Wall

After racing, we toured Berlin. Remnants of the Berlin Wall were particularly moving. Multiple murals portrayed the horror and anguish of previously divided Germany. The majestic and stolid Berlin Cathedral, the twin German and French Cathedrals on either side of the Konzerthaus at the Gendarmenmarkt, the Jewish Memorial, and the all-brick Oberbaum Bridge were among the many highlights of our tour.

      German Cathedral                                Konzerthaus                                 French Cathedral