Adrie de Vries rode all four winners for Jens Hirschberger at Colonge
PICTURE: Getty ImagesHirschberger completes fantastic four-timer
Report: Germany, Sunday
Cologne: Gerling-Preis (Group 2) 1m4f, 4yo+
GERMANY'S top owner-breeder Gestüt Schlenderhan, trainer Jens Hirschberger and jockey Adrie de Vries had a day to remember at Cologne on Sunday, when all four of their runners won, including Atempo in the feature.
Atempo scored in convincing fashion and although he was having only the fourth race of his life, he won the race like a true professional. De Vries kept him in midfield as Mighty Mouse, partnered by Steffi Hofer as Freddie Tylicki's plane was delayed, made the running at a decent pace with 6-5 favourite Earl Of Tinsdal close up.
Mighty Mouse was still in the lead one and a half furlongs out, hard pressed by Earl Of Tinsdal. But it was Norwegian hope Sir Lando who hit the front, however Atempo was now full of running on the outside and swept into the lead as they entered the final furlong.
He quickly put the race to bed, with Silvaner finishing fast to go second close home. Sir Lando just held Earl Of Tinsdal for third place.
Atempo, a four-year-old colt by Monsun, was heavily backed as a consequence of the stable's earlier successes, as his chance on form was less obvious. He had finished four lengths behind Mighty Mouse here on his seasonal debut.
However, Hirschberger has really hit form with a vengeance and the trainer commented afterwards: "We had some smart three-year-olds last year, but I always thought that Atempo would be the best of them with time. He will improve further and will probably go next for the Gran Premio di Milano."
He might meet Earl Of Tinsdal again there, but this time onlevel terms. Connections were not too disappointed with Sunday's defeat. Jockey Eddie Pedroza reported: "He was a bit fresh today and was giving the others three kilos, so he ran a good race." Silvaner and Sir Lando will meet again at Baden-Baden in three week's time.
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