Wellenspiel, dam of two German Derby winners, set for a big domestic mating

Crack German broodmare Wellenspiel, who produced German Derby winners Windstoss and Weltstar as her first two foals, is staying at home for her next cover after delivering a Sea The Stars foal.

The 12-year-old daughter of Sternkoenig – owned by Gestüt Röttgen, which also bred and raced her – is heading to Germany's leading sire Soldier Hollow, who stands at Gestüt Auenquelle at a fee of €30,000.

She has already clicked with the son of In The Wings to produce Weltstar, one of five Group 1 winners for the sire alongside Dschingis Secret, Ivanhowe, Pastorius and Serienholde.

Wellenspiel's first foal, Windstoss (by Shirocco), won the German Derby in 2017 and secured a second top-flight success in the Preis von Europa later in the season. He also ran a fine third to Cracksman in the Coronation Cup at four but ran only twice last year at five, running third in Group 2s both times.

The dam's second produce, Weltstar, took the Oppenheim Union-Rennen and the German Derby one year after Windstoss. He also made only two starts in 2019, his best effort being a third in Listed company at Hanover.

Both Windstoss and Weltstar are trained by Markus Klug for Gestüt Röttgen.

Wellenspiel also has a three-year-old colt by Kamsin named Worrick who was unplaced in two starts last year, and a two-year-old filly by Protectionist.

After the emergence of her Classic-winning early offspring she was given blue-chip international matings, and has a Dubawi yearling filly and the pregnancy to Sea The Stars as a result.

Explaining the decision to return to Soldier Hollow with Wellenspiel, Gestüt Röttgen stud manager Frank Dorff said, with one eye on the future: “I would love to have a full-sister to a Derby winner.”

Giving an update on Windstoss and Weltstar, he added: “They both stay in training this year and we hope to win international Group races again with them.

“Markus is very positive as they're now completely back to normal work after their long breaks.

“Of course, we also have it in mind to find good studs to stand each of them as stallions later on.”

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