PartialLogo
Bloodstock Big Read
premium

How Sammarco finally fulfilled a Derby dream for overjoyed breeder

Aisling Crowe talks Soldier Hollow and Sammarco with Helmut von Finck

Helmut von Finck with Sammarco after his victory in the Bayerisches Zuchtrennen in Munich
Helmut von Finck with Sammarco after his victory in the Bayerisches Zuchtrennen in MunichCredit: Helmut von Finck

Listening to Helmut von Finck speak about his German Derby hero Sammarco, an inescapable sense of a destiny being fulfilled begins to dawn, as brightly as the summer sun which bathes Baden Baden in glorious, golden light.

That Von Finck, who has spent the best part of four decades on a quest to breed a Derby winner, did so this summer with a son of Camelot out of a mare by Von Finck's own, beloved stallion, Soldier Hollow, has the air of a mythic fable brought to life.

King Arthur was fated never to locate the chalice he sought from his realm of Camelot, while the destiny imagined for Camelot the horse was denied him at the last, but on the first weekend of July, the stars aligned at Hamburg for Von Finck with Sammarco's thrilling victory.

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock
  • Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
  • Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
  • Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
  • Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
  • Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
  • Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Subscribe

Already a subscriber?Log in

Bloodstock journalist

Published on inBloodstock Big Read

Last updated

iconCopy