exactly what I'm trying to do here."
But it was important to Schöningh
to keep the integrity of the place
intact. It offers historic buildings,
panoramic views and an expanse of
green in a serene setting. One of the
most refreshing things about Hop-
pegarten is the mix of racegoers. A
beer garden and bratwurst station
in back, a lawn for picnicking on the
grandstand apron, an old Klub stand
for members, trackside hospitality
for diners, and old-fashioned grand-
stand seats. A wander through the
racecourse finds them all being en-
joyed; children run around, families
spread blankets, women in the Klub
stand wear elegant clothes and fas-
cinators. And they all run marvel-
ously together.
"A standard question I got from
people, particularly when I arrived
in Berlin from people knowing
about my UK background, was, `ah,
do you want to turn it into Royal As-
cot?' And I always said, `no.' When
you look at this racecourse and the
stands, they are all from 1922. The
