In his return to racing in the fall of 2015, Dortmund took the Big Bear Stakes and Native Diver Handicap- his final career victories.

Dortmund is a big chestnut colt with a white sock on his left foreleg, bred in Kentucky by Emilie Gerlinde Fojan.

[6] Fojan attempted to sell Dortmund as a foal, but he failed to reach his reserve price: she explained, "He was so big; everybody was afraid of his size.

"[7] In July 2013, the yearling was consigned by Fojan's Bona Terra Stud to the Fasig-Tipton sale and sold for $90,000 to Breaking Point Farm.

[9] The horse entered the ownership of entrepreneur Kaleem Shah, who named him in honor of the German soccer team Borussia Dortmund.

Starting as the favorite against ten opponents, he pulled hard against Garcia's efforts to restrain him before taking the lead approaching the straight and drew away to win by four and three quarter lengths.

[10] Four weeks later, the colt started 2/5 favorite in an allowance optional claiming race over a mile at Churchill Downs and won again, beating Silver Ride by seven and three quarter lengths.

"[13] On his three-year-old debut, Dortmund contested the Grade III Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita on February 7 in which he conceded five pounds to Firing Line.

"[17] On April 4, Dortmund was stepped up in class and distance for the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby over nine furlongs and started 3/5 favorite ahead of Prospect Park and four others.

Dortmund maintained his advantage until the turn into the straight but was overtaken in the closing stages and finished third behind American Pharoah and Firing Line.

Following another lengthy layoff due to foot problems, Dortmund made his 4-year-old debut in the Grade II San Diego Handicap, competing against a talented field that included 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome.

[23] Rafael Bejarano rode Dortmund for the first time in a rematch at the August 20 Pacific Classic, where he finished third behind California Chrome and the champion mare Beholder.

[27][28] His first race of 2017 was the Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes on March 11 at Santa Anita Park, in which he finished sixth to the Brazilian-bred horse Bal a Bali.

[35][36] Finally, on October 20, 2017, it was announced that Dortmund has been retired "for good" and would stand stallion duties at Bill Boniface's Bonita Farm in Darlington, Maryland.