The big trainers and jockeys to follow as Hanover ends the long wait

German racing is back! Hanover has the honour on Thursday of providing fans with the first action in the racing-mad nation since March 15.

A 12-race card awaits, and to help you here are seven key names to keep onside.

Frank Fuhrmann

A less familiar name than most in the German training ranks, but Fuhrmann is the leading light in the country so far in 2020 and tops the trainers’ championship. Based in north-east Germany, Fuhrmann has had 11 winners from 83 starters this year and finished fourth in last year’s title race.

Markus Klug

A multiple champion trainer, Klug is perhaps best known for his handling of runaway 2014 German Derby winner Sea The Moon. Klug is a regular in top races around Europe with the likes of Windstoss, Dschingis Secret, Diamanta and Weldstar claiming major prizes.

Andreas Wohler

The former champion has been one of Germany’s most successful trainers since taking over from his late father in 1986. He has masterminded the brilliant careers of the likes of Lomitas, Novellist and Earl Of Tinsdal, although his greatest achievement was sending Protectionist to win the 2014 Melbourne Cup under Ryan Moore.

Dominik Moser

A trainer to write off at your peril, as punters in Britain have found over the last few years when Waldpfad and Gracia Directa have claimed Group 3s at double-figure prices. He appears to have a leading contender for the 6½f Listed contest at Hanover with Namos.

Peter Schiergen

Having been champion jockey, Schiergen has moved on to be one of the top trainers in Germany and has been champion trainer multiple times. Big names he has trained include Tiger Hill, Schiaparelli and Soldier Hollow, while his best horse was 2011 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Danedream.

Maxim Pecheur

The leading jockey so far this year, Pecheur has struck up a particularly strong relationship with Markus Klug, with the pair claiming Classic victories with the likes of Windstoss in the 2017 Deutsch Derby and Diamanta in last year’s Preis der Diana.

Bauyrzhan Murzabayev

Last year’s champion jockey was born in Kazakhstan and rode successfully in the Czech Republic before moving to Germany. He was appointed stable jockey to Andreas Wohler last year.