Westminster Grand Prix of Berlin

One of Germany's Oldest Race Days

When the bell rings at Hoppegarten racecourse on August 9, 2026, and 14 thoroughbreds tackle the 2,400-meter track, it's for one of Germany's most prestigious flat races: the Westminster Grand Prix of Berlin. The race's roots date back to 1889 — Hoppegarten racecourse itself was established in 1867 as the Royal Hoppegarten Race. Today, it is one of Germany's few Group I racecourses and has called itself the "best flat race in Germany" since 2011 — awarded four times.

What is a Group I Race?

Flat races are sorted into five categories: Group I (highest class, international champions), Group II, III, Listed races, Handicaps. The Grand Prix of Berlin is Group I — meaning: the best European thoroughbreds compete here, prize money is high, international sponsors are involved, and the audience is a mix of racing professionals, hat fashion enthusiasts, and families.

The Four Races of the Day

• Westminster Grand Prix of Berlin (Group I) — 2,400 m, €155,000 prize money — the main race
• Fliegerpreis (Listed race, international) — 1,200 m — shortest, fastest distance
• Stutenpreis (Listed race, international) — 1,800 m — fillies' competition
• Steherpreis (Listed race, international) — 2,800 m — long-distance race for stayers

An Unusual Tradition: The Jockey Weighed in Ice

One of Hoppegarten's most remarkable traditions takes place after the Florida Ice Race: the winning jockey is weighed in the weighing house on a mountain of ice. Afterwards, the ice is distributed among the children in the audience. The ceremony dates back to the early 20th century and is now a highlight of family fun for the day.

Family and Hat Programme

The race day is not just for racing fans. At the Hoppegarten grounds, there is:

• Children's area with pony rides, bouncy castle, face painting station
• Children's betting games with play money
• Hat fashion and ladies' promenades (informal tradition)
• Cuisine from Brandenburg and Berlin
• Champagne lounges for premium tickets
• Viewing platform in the Saddle Park for horse encounters

Hoppegarten and Racing History

The municipality of Hoppegarten is located in the Märkisch-Oderland district, east of Berlin, directly on the S-Bahn line S5. The racecourse was personally initiated in 1867 by Friedrich Wilhelm IV. and developed into the most prestigious flat racecourse of the German Empire. After wars, division, and renovation, Hoppegarten is now one of the few functioning racecourses in East Germany — and a unique place where German sports and aristocratic history converge.