"That's how we imagined it. We had luck with the weather and many of our fans took advantage of our somewhat different invitation. I only received positive feedback from the team and the sponsors also enjoyed it," said a satisfied manager Klaus Allofs.
One of the most spectacular and fan favourite races of the afternoon wasn't even on the racing bill. Werder players Marko Marin, Lukas Schmitz, Tim Wiese, Markus Rosenberg, Clemens Fritz and Philipp Bargfrede took part in a pony sulky race, heading down the straight away to a boisterous crowd. The fans held their breath twice even before the straightaway as Marin and Bargfrede both struggled with the temperament of the ponies. "The pony wanted to take the lap of honour before even finishing the race," said the 22-year-old Bargfrede. "Oh, I got off nice and controlled," added Marin at the winner's ceremony.
The fact that Wiese would win the race was evident to the biggest horse expert in the squad. Claudio Pizarro came directly back from South America to the race track and followed the proceedings in the Turf Lounge. "Tim used his experience. He rides himself and I am certain that he has even sat in a sulky," said Pizarro.