German Spring and Dressage Derby Begins a New Era Under Matthias Alexander Rath
New management at Spring-Derby: promising changes ahead? - Change in Leadership at Spring Derby: Will Fresh Leadership Bring Improvements?
In a significant shift, the 105-year-old German Spring and Dressage Derby is set to commence from Wednesday to Sunday under the guidance of Matthias Alexander Rath. The Derby, renowned as one of the most prestigious equestrian events in Germany, will embark on a fresh chapter.
"The initial step is always exciting," Rath remarked a day before the event's commencement, reflecting on the preparations so far. He acknowledged potential areas for improvement, stating, "Of course, there are always things to learn."
Rath, the former rider of the acclaimed dressage horse Totilas, takes over from Volker Wulff, tournament director since 2000, and his agency En Garde from Uthlede near Bremen. Under Wulff's leadership, the Derby regained its status as a major German equestrian event and established its international reputation.
Notably, the Norddeutscher and Flottbeker Reiterverein (NFR) did not renew Wulff's contract last year. The NFR board handed over the organization to Rath and his agency Schafhof Connects from Kronberg in the Taunus.
Rath's tenure will be evaluated based on the legacy that Wulff built, while he must simultaneously preserve the Derby's unique character and add his own touch. The contract with the NFR spans a decade.
A significant change for this year's Derby includes a new main sponsor, Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates, who owns Al Shira'aa Stables. The main sponsor of the 94th German Spring Derby on Sunday (13:50) is also new. Albert Darboven, a prominent coffee entrepreneur, has stepped down, reportedly due to dissatisfaction regarding the NFR's handling of previous management. In his place, Melitta from Minden has taken on the role.
Rath sets sporting accents in the dressage program, introducing high-class five-star tests for the first time. Notable riders like Isabell Werth, who has not competed in Hamburg for 17 years, will be returning. In the jumping, the Grand Prix on Saturday (14:30) boasts a prize purse of 250,000 euros, while the 94th German Derby on Sunday (endowed with 120,000 euros) promises an exciting conclusion. Other stars have announced their participation, contributing to prize money totaling 1.3 million euros in dressage and jumping events.
In the Derby Park, spectators will notice improvements such as enhancements to the main tribune and the judge's tower. One aspect that remains constant is the Pulvermann course, a testament to the event's enduring appeal. The course, approximately 1,230 meters long with 17 natural obstacles, has been an integral part of the Derby since 1920.
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Sponsors and Competitions
- The 2025 German Spring Derby's main sponsor is Al Shira'aa[1].
- Recent equestrian events have featured a diverse range of CSI4 and CDI5 competitions[2].
- Hamburg
- Germany
- Competition
- Time Period
- United Arab Emirates
- Bremen
- Equestrian Sports
- Germany
- CHIO Aachen
- In preparation for the 2025 German Spring Derby, Al Shira'aa from the United Arab Emirates has been announced as the main sponsor.
- With Rath's tenure, the German Spring and Dressage Derby will see an array of CSI4 and CDI5 competitions, reflecting the shift towards high-class five-star tests.
- Beyond the equestrian events, the Derby serves as a platform for sports-betting, with significant prize purse in the jumping events, such as the Grand Prix on Saturday and the 94th German Derby on Sunday.
