Soseono back to winning ways / Galsaem beaten
Good Day and Namdo Jeap both went wire-to-wire to win their respective big races at Seoul and Busan Race Parks this afternoon.
Namdo Jeap, winner of last year’s Minister’s Cup was sent off only second favourite behind in-form fellow four-year old Golden Appeal. The result was never in doubt, however, as Namdo Jeap bounced out of the gate under Lim Sung Sil and cruised away from the field in the home straight for a six length victory. Golden Appeal rallied late but never got close.
Up at Seoul, Good Day had slightly more to worry about in the final stages of his ten furlong test. Balhaejanggun was finishing much the quicker and got close as the line loomed ahead. It arrived just in time for Good Day though, with the six year old having half a length in hand.
Namchonuijijon arrived late on the scene and grabbed third but there was no happy return for Galsaem. The former champion mare showed towards the front of the field early on but didn’t stay in the final furlong, eventually finishing fifth.
There was victory for one mare at Seoul today though as Soseono (no longer a filly by 10 days) scored her first win since the YTN Cup last August courtesy of a late run to overhaul outsiders Big Guy and Top Plus. Soseono’s race also saw a return to action for jockey Lee Geum Joo. Always likely to be up against it, long-shot Cheongunbaram duly finished in last place.
Soseono, seen here after the YTN Cup, was back in the winner's circle today
Soseono was ridden by Moon Se Young and provided the third of the 2008 champion’s three winners on the day. In other jockey news, Lee Geum Joo wasn’t the only rider to return today. Highly thought of young jockey Yoo Seung Wan was back in action after spending much of 2009 in the United States. Yoo finished the day with two second place finishes.
Horse Racing in Korea 