Heroine's welcome awaits Alpinista as she completes Group 1 hat-trick
The glorious German run of Alpinista continued at Munich on Sunday when the Newmarket raider captured the Allianz-Grosser Preis Von Bayern, her third successive Group 1 in the country and the same hat-trick achieved by her granddam Albanova 17 years ago.
Trained by Sir Mark Prescott for breeder Kirsten Rausing, Alpinista won the Longines Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten in August before striking in the Preis von Europa at Cologne the following month.
She again showed her fondness for travelling and German racing by answering every one of jockey Luke Morris's calls to complete the historic feat.
Grosser Preis Von Bayern result
A four-year-old daughter of Frankel, Alpinista recorded some smart efforts in Britain but has gone on to make her mark at the highest level on the continent and the form of her Hoppegarten success was given a sparkling look when Torquator Tasso, who finished second, landed the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Prescott said: "The grandmother won these races and now she's done it, which is unusual. You wouldn't have a clue if it's been done before but these races were the plan and she's done everything foot perfect.
"It's very seldom a plan like that comes off, but she'll run next year and I suppose she'll go for the glitzy Group 1s having won these German ones, which are marvellous in their own right and the form has worked out well, as everyone knows."
Alpinista had three-quarters of a length to spare from Mendocino, while fellow Newmarket raider Believe In Love was fifth of the six runners.
Prescott added: "I wouldn't have thought she was capable of winning three Group 1s this time last year. You thought she might win something nice, but I think she's got better as the season has gone on and the grandmother was five when she won these races, so you've got reason to hope this filly would improve again from four to five.
"She'll back at Miss Rausing's in a week for a heroine's welcome."
Read more:
Sir Mark Prescott: 'I was completely stitched up - it was a bitter experience'
'Too many are in one kennel' - Sir Mark Prescott on why the Derby isn't the same
Alpinista the latest celebrity from star-studded Kirsten Rausing family
Like father, like son: Sisfahan emulates sire Isfahan to land German Derby
German raider Axana overcomes Brexit delays to plunder Group 3 prize
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