21/03/24 Fantastic Moon Galopper des Jahres/Horse of the Year

On the day of his 4th birthday FANTASTIC MOON got honored for his achievements when being elected "Galopper des Jahres - Horse of the Year" by public vote. So he has emulated his sire SEA THE MOON not just by winning the German Derby, Gr.1 but also this prestigious award. On top FANTASTIC MOON became Champion-2yo and Champion-3yo having won as the first and only German horse the Prix Niel, Gr.2. More then 60% voted for the colt bred by GRAF UND GRÄFIN STAUFFENBERG, owned by Liberty Racing and trained by Sarah Steinberg. 

There have been German Derby winners from SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN in the past, but never a "Galopper des Jahres - Horse of the Year" since the inception of SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN as a thoroughbred stud back in 1954. ZANK bred by Gestüt Quenhorn - the name of the the thoroughbred stud on this soil at the time  - and owned by Walter Vischer won the race in 1964. STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK prepped and sold an other one at the BBAG Yearling Sales in LUCKY SPEED who won the race in 2013. He was bred by and at Gestüt Hof Ittlingen and owned by Stall Hornoldendorf. Interestingly Gestüt Hof Itlingen was used as a dependance back in the time of and for Gestüt Quenhorn and the owner Manfred Osterman's father started to breed at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN before setting up Hof Ittlingen at Werne back in 1985. 

However, 30 years after Marion and Philipp met through through FRAULEIN TOBIN, the 3rd dam of FANTASTIC MOON and 25 years after the couple started to breed at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN this is definitely an unforgettable milestone in their achievements.