The article talks about the upcoming referendum in Hamburg on May 31 about whether the city should bid for the Olympic Games in 2036, 2040, and 2044. The 95th Spring and Dressage Derby in Klein Flottbek, taking place from May 13-17, is the final sporting event before the vote. The Senate aims to leverage the popularity of horse sports to generate interest in the referendum.
The event, organized by Matthias Alexander Rath and his agency “Schafhof Connects,” drew 90,000 fans last year. This year, they hope to add more Olympic charm to the event. Dressage champions like Isabell Werth, Ingrid Klimke, and Dorothee Schneider will also be participating, bringing additional prestige to the tournament.
The article highlights the changes in the Dressage Derby format by former Totilas rider Rath and the introduction of new features. Schneider, along with her horse Karlijn, will be participating in the three-star tour for the first time in Hamburg. The event will also witness Olaf Petersen, a renowned world-class parcours designer, taking over the responsibility of the course.
The article also mentions that the ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf will not affect the sponsorship from Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan from Abu Dhabi and her horse sport empire, Al Shira’aa. The total prize money for the event remains at 1.3 million euros.
Context: The article covers the preparations and excitement surrounding the upcoming Spring and Dressage Derby in Hamburg, focusing on the potential influence of the event on the referendum for the Olympic Games bid.
Fact Check: Information about the event, participants, and changes in format are accurately reported in the article.
