See Hector: Contending with Company in Bahrain.

Travelling to Bahrain 

At the time of the interview, Grewe was unsure of the travel details, saying, "Nothing at the moment is completely planned. But I think next week we will make a plan for travel and everything."

He stated that "this is the first time See Hector will be travelling by aeroplane over such a long distance." When probed about any impact this journey might place on the horse, Grewe infers stoic confidence. "Every horse is different. But he is a very iron horse, so I assume it’s no problem for him".  

His decision to take See Hector to Bahrain reflects both pragmatism and strategy. He explains further.

 "The biggest fact… you only have to start next week, and as we start this year, I think it is very important that you have a fresh horse."

Grewe gives no hint of his immediate plans after Bahrain, for the rest of the GCC season, "I think this (See Hector) will be the only one, but it depends on how we make it in Bahrain. And then we can plan and handle the other things.". He is, however, heavily implying his intentions to bring (See Hector).

"back to Germany and take a break for the next season."

Although Grewe had hoped for second entry with the 2011 Derby Champion, Sisfahan, the horse’s participation was unconfirmed. He anticipates a revival of the similar form that witnessed his ‘great horse’ ride to victory in the Deutches Derby in Hamburg last year. 

As For See Hector

This 3YO, Grewe said, is his "first horse under a committee". He has since run six races on flat turf, achieving his first-place and third-place finishes with reported total winnings of (according to Racing Post) £53,782 and £83,178.

Grewe began to work with See Hector after partnering with a long-term owner at his stables. The team comprises his breeder Gestut Karlshof and racing manager Holger Faust, for Cometica AG, alongside Grewe, who remain hopeful that See Hector can extend upon his recent success in Italy.

Riding High In April 

In April (2022) with pre-race odds at 174/10, See Hector enjoyed a successful weekend at The Premio Parioli race in Capannelle. Grande Gatsby seemed to be jostling neck and neck with The Fire Of the Sun when at the final 150-yard stretch, See Hector swiftly outrode them both, sustaining his lead until over the line. A brilliant dramatic climax was pulled off by See Hector and his rider- Alberto Sanna- after they pushed midfield at the inner, with a prominent approach to claim first place on the 1,600-meter track. 

Grewe identifies no need for drastic changes following his victory in Italy. "He can run a longer distance than I expected. I think he’s a Miler. But I think that 2000 is perfect for him.". Even so, Grewe remains grounded, "(however) I think he can be better than he showed."

What About The Winning Trainer

Born in Germany, Grewe’s initial connection to the sport came from his parents, who were racehorse owners. After a formative upbringing surrounded by racehorses, Grewe decided at first to pursue a career as a jockey. "But", remarking, "being too heavy, I decided to become a trainer".    

His first notorious achievement came in 2015, after training 3YO Let’s Dance to victory at the Austrian Derby. Since then, Grewe has been developing his team Rennstall Grewe at his training stables in Cologne, where he keeps a reported ‘100 boxes at his base’ in Weidenpescher Park. 

Achieving back-to-back accolades as Champion Trainer 2019- with a remarkable 62 wins at home and 29 wins abroad; followed up in 2020, with 55 home wins and 15 abroad.

Despite prior years of "pressure", he revealed to Trainer Magazine in September 2021- after being crowned TopSpec Trainer of the Quarter.

"Winning the Derby was Great was really special…Everyone was expecting me to win it for the last three years, and now that I have won it, that pressure is gone; it makes everything easier.  

These victories, however, came after a period of tragic disappointment. Isfahani, the Diana Prize runner-up, and the Group 3 winner aged 2, with so much promise, passed away. 

Grewe told Trainer Magazine how upon receiving the news, he was "absolutely shocked", 

reflecting at the time, "She never had the chance to show her true colours, and I am still convinced that she was the best horse that I have ever trained."

Despite his tragic loss, further accolades were awarded to Grewe in 2021, as he added his name to ‘the roll of honour’ leading Sisfahan to the Deutsches Derby, and Flamingo Girl to Group 3 victory at the Premio Elena E Sergio Cumani.   

As Grewe prepares to saddle See Hector in the Bahrain International Trophy, many questions remain unanswered.