Author: gyongmaman

Weekend Preview

Herald Business / Grand Prix
It’s Grand Prix weekend at Seoul and, after last week’s cancellation, the Herald Business is being run on Saturday. However, just five two year olds will line up for the juvenile championship and among the three who have dropped out during the week is Northern Ace. This leaves Seonbongbulpae as the overwhleming favourite to take the crown.

We’ll have a full preview of the Grand Prix over the next couple of days.

Busan Race Park

Friday December 11: 10 races, first post 13:00, last 17:30
Sunday December 13: 6 races, first post 12:30, last 16:15

Seoul Race Park

Saturday December 12: 12 races, first post 11:10, last 17:55
Sunday December 13: 11 races, first post 11:10, last 17:55

Jeju Race Park (Pony racing)

Saturday December 12: 10 races, first post 12:30, last 17:15
Sunday December 13: 10 races, first post 12:30, last 17:35

Herald Business Set For Saturday

After being frozen out last Sunday, the Herald Business Cup, Seoul’s top Juvenile race, has been re-arranged for this coming Saturday, December 12 to create a big race double-header this weekend, what with the Grand Prix on Sunday.

Barring any late withdrawals, all eight who were scheduled to run last week will line-up on Saturday afternoon including the top pair of Seonbongbulpae and Northern Ace. Seonbongbulpae will be the likely favourite. Click here for last week’s preview.

Meanwhile, Chulgigi has a post up over at his blog showing the farcical scenes at Seoul Race Park last Sunday as seemingly the entire KRA, including Chairman Kim Gwang Won, strolled down the home straight looking for ice, nearly two hours after the first race was due to start. If only they’d done it earlier in the morning, they might have annoyed less people.

Icecapades - A Sunday stroll with the KRA (Photo: Chulgigi)

Head over to Chulgigi for lots more pictures and video.

TBA Photo Contest 2009

Horse Racing and photography go well together. Each year, Gyongmaman sets a resolution to get more pictures on this site. Next year, he will manage it. Perhaps. In the meantime, it is time to announce that the 2009 Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance Photo Contest is accepting entries.

The contest, in its second year, is open to absolutely anyone and the subject is simply “horse racing”. The only restriction is that the picture must have been taken this year.

Click here for full contest rules and submission details.

Koreans like their cameras and Gyongmaman happens to know that some of the best photographers on the peninsula are occasional visitors to the track. The closing date is Sunday December 13, so just in time for local photographers to get plenty of shots of the Grand Prix to enter into this international contest.

No Horses For Frozen Courses

So the weekend is over and both Seonbongbulpae and Northern Ace retain their unbeaten records. Sadly this is not because of a thrilling dead-heat finale to the Herald Business Cup, but rather that the Sunday’s racing at Seoul was called off long before the two-year old championship race was due to go to post.

The first two races on Saturday were run in blizzard-like conditions with heavy rain and snow reducing visilibility to dangerous low levels (Chulgigi has some pictures of a romantic looking Race Park and a video of Saturday’s terrifying race 2 on his blog). After the second race, jockeys lobbied stewards to call things off, however, the snow almost instantly cleared and, following the hour break for simulcasting from Busan, there wasn’t a trace of the earlier snow and things went on as usual.

Overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning, temperatures dived down to -10C, causing the heavy track to freeze. At trackwork on Sunday morning, trainers and riders reported it was too dangerous to race. Nevertheless, while it was cold, no more snow was forecast, the sun was out and the wind was nothing like as strong as that on Saturday so the KRA opted for a wait-and-see approach and punters began filing in at 10am.

With jockeys not wanting to race, races 1 and 2 were cancelled, however, an inspection deemed the track safe for race 3 to go ahead at 12:10pm. Jockeys Jung Ki Young, Moon Se Young and Cho Kyoung Ho (all senior enough to be able deal with any later consequences) decided not to ride and their mounts were scratched. Following the race, feedback was taken from the jockeys who did ride. They reported clumps of ice on the track and the decision was then taken to abandon racing for the day.

While the decision was undoubtedly the correct one, the timing of the cancellation once again – with thousands of punters on site was not very popular. The Pari-Mutuel screens were switched over to the afternoon card at Busan where things were much warmer, but punters would have wanted an earlier decision.

Back in March 2008, a similar event occurred – that time because of a waterlogged track. Again despite it looking highly unlikely any racing would go ahead, no decision was taken until after punters had arrived.

If past experiences are anything to go by, entry to the track will be free next weekend. As yet there is no word on whether the Herald Business wil be rescheduled. An extra day’s racing on Sunday December 27 is already planned to make up for the one cancelled for the funeral of ex-President Kim Dae Jung.

Yeonseung Daero Lands Crushing Win in Cup

After a season of near-misses, Yeonseung Daero finally got it right. Third in the KRA Cup Mile, fifth in the Korean Derby, fourth in the Minister’s Cup and second in the Busan Metropolitan, it all came together in spectacular style for the three-year old in the Owner’s Cup at Busan Race Park this afternoon.

Sent off second favourite behind the formidable Areumdaun Jilju in the 10 furlong race, Yeonseung Daero hit the front coming off the final turn. Once he went, no-one could get close to him as he extended his lead to fourteen lengths on the line seemingly with plenty in reserve. Areumdaun Jilju came in a well beaten second with outsider Viva Canon grabbing third.

Having won several top class handicaps in between the classics and, in the process, breaking the 10 furlong track record (a mark that he was a couple of seconds outside today), Yeonseung Daero has long been suspected to be the real star to emerge from Busan this year and go on to dominate as a four-year old. Sangseung Ilro seems too fragile and Pangpang appears a one-off in the Oaks. Namdo Jeap meanwhile has been inconsistant, skipping this race and being well-beaten on Friday.

What all those had over Yeonseung Daero was a big win to their name. The Owner’s Cup is by no means the biggest date on the calendar, but in winning it – and in such a fashion, Yeonseung Daero has signalled that he is now the horse to beat at Busan.

Busan Owner’s Cup – Busan Race Park – 2000M – Dec 6, 2009

1. Yeonseung Daero (KOR) [Creek Cat – Sensationalkris (Cryptoclearance)] – Park Geum Man – 3.5, 1.3
2. Areumdaun Jilju (KOR) [Didyme – Chills Of Nepal (Nepal)] – Jo Chan Hoon – 1.3
3. Viva Canon (KOR) [Tahamkke – Special Craft (Crafty Prospector)] – Kim Young Geun – 10.6
Distances: 14 lengths/1.25 lengths
Also ran: 4. Yeongung Manse; 5. Galsaek Teukgeup; 6. Conqueror; 7. Top Grade; 8. Pangpang; 9. Glory Champ; 10. Sandeomi

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

* Sunday’s meeting at Seoul was abandoned due to a frozen track after just one race.

Iced-Up Seoul Abandoned

Racing at Seoul today was abandoned due to an unsafe track brought on by icy conditions. With a track full of punters, races 1 and 2 were delayed after jockeys expressed safety concerns that the high level moisture in the track had frozen.

The track was deemed safe for race 3 to go ahead as planned at 12:10pm. However, prominent jockeys Moon Se Young, Cho Kyoung Ho and Jung Ki Young who were booked to ride in the race, did not appear and their horses were scratched.

The race went ahead and was won by Boo Min Ho on two-year old Bonsol. Immediately after the race the decision was made to abandon racing for the day. This is the third time in recent years that controversy over the safety of the track in cold weather has forced a very late abandonment.

Racing at Busan and Jeju is continuing.

Se Young Back On The Prowl

The foxes have had their fun of late, but a lion was stalking them at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. And it didn’t take long for Moon Se Young to continue where he left off, alpha-maleing over the jockey colony at Seoul Race Park.

On his return from just over three months on the sidelines, the 2008 champion started slowly with a third place on Helmitonia in race 1, but was in the winner’s circle with Silver Way in race 4 and again with Samcheolli in race 9.

Although apprentice Kim Cheol Ho also managed a double (with both wins coming on mounts picked up from the injured Oh Kyoung Hoan), the big guns of Park Tae Jong, Choi Beom Hyun and Cho Kyoung Ho all managed just a solitary win. It’s too late for him to challenge to retain his title, but today Moon Se Young sent out a strong message that whoever takes the title, he remains the number one predator at the track.

Cho’s win was the most eye-catching, guiding highly rated US import Tough Win to his second victory in two starts. Once more, it was anything but a tough win. The two-year old was drawn in gate 14 in race 6 but was in front within 100 metres of the start and from there cruised round to score a 16 length win. His time was just three tenths of a second off the track record for 6 furlongs and Cho never had to move in the saddle.

Tough Win [Yonaguska – Maggie May’s Sword (Sword Dance)] is one to watch next year. Also in race 6, jockey Shim Seung Tae suffered a heavy fall. No word yet on his condition but it looked like a bad one.

The feature race was won by an outsider as New Rider gave Japanese jockey Yoshiyuki Aoki his biggest Korean win to date with a late run to defeat Taesanbukdu. In the same race, Symphony Sonata struggled to make the step-up to class 1 racing and old favourite Namchonuijijon continued his recent poor run of form.

It was a bitterly cold day at the capital track. Snow began falling shortly before the first race and continued until the fourth with a strong wind adding to the deeply unpleasant conditions for horses and riders. Race 3 had to be delayed due to jockey concerns about visibility. As soon as it stopped snowing, the visibility problems ceased but the biting wind meant for a challenging day.

It’s going to be even colder on Sunday although without the snow. Seonbongbulpae looks set to be favourite as he goes head-to-head with Northern Ace for the title of Champion Juvenile in the Herald Business. However, while it’s billed as a match race between the two, let’s not count out Moon Se Young on the filly Hushtilled. Meanwhile at Busan – where it is forecast to be a positively tropical seven degrees above zero, Yeonseung Daero and Areumdaun Jilju will go for the Owner’s Cup.

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

Weekend Preview: Moon Se Young is Back

Herald Business at Seoul / Owner’s Cup at Busan
December is upon us and no doubt the KRA will have its Christmas tree up at the track this weekend. And there’s some cracking racing in prospect at both ends of the country.

At Seoul, the Champion two-year old title is on the line in one of the most hotly anticipated matchups of the year as Northern Ace takes on Seonbongbulpae (see full preview). Down at Busan, it’s Areumdaun Jilju and Yeonseung Daero going for the Owner’s Cup (see full preview).

2008 Champion jockey Moon Se Young makes his return from injury on Saturday. On August 29 he was thrown from two year old filly Raipai as she bolted out of the gate and into the rail leaving Moon with severely damaged knee ligaments. Initially it was thought he would be out until early next year but after successful surgery – and a restorative trip to the Breeders’ Cup in Santa Anita – Moon makes his return on Helmitonia in the first race on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, Symphony Sonata makes his debut at elite level. The E. Dubai colt will head the weights along with Taesan Bukdu and Namchonuijijon in a ten furlong handicap.

Busan Race Park

Friday December 4: 10 races, first post 13:00, last 17:30
Sunday December 6: 6 races, first post 12:30, last 16:15

Seoul Race Park

Saturday December 5: 12 races, first post 11:10, last 17:45
Sunday December 6: 11 races, first post 11:10, last 17:55

Jeju Race Park (Pony racing)

Saturday December 5: 10 races, first post 12:30, last 17:25
Sunday December 6: 10 races, first post 12:30, last 17:25

Among the many predictions that Gyongmaman got wrong last week was the weather, however, this week he can confidently say it is going to be very cold. It may even snow on Saturday. Come Racing! But wrap up very warm!

Northern Ace Vs Seonbongbulpae

Two-Year Olds Get Down To Business
Last week, Night Moves landed the Champion Juvenile title at Busan. This Sunday it’s the turn of Seoul to award its prize as eight two-year olds go to post for the Herald Business Cup.

And it is a race that punters have been looking to since the summer as the two outstanding juveniles Northern Ace and Seonbongbulpae go head-to-head for the first time. So far both have been flat-track bullies, Seonbongbulpae racking up three wins from three and Northern Ace winning both of his starts by ridiculous margins whilst barely breaking into a canter.

However, Northern Ace now holds the five furlong track record, putting away Ace Galloper, who has gone on to record some impressive wins himself, by ten lengths in the process. Seonbongbulpae has been equally visually impressive. Now it’s crunch time.

Northern Ace hasn’t appeared since August. On that day, he was due to be partnered by champion jockey Moon Se Young. Moon, however, suffered a bad injury in an earlier race and Cho Kyoung Ho picked up the mount. Moon will coincidentally return to the track for the first time this weekend, but it is Cho who retains the ride. Seonbongbulpae has run and won an extra race.

Among the others, Full Step looks promising, but was found out a little when facing older horses last time out. Hushtilled, Yodongjewang and Silver Mon have, like all of the runners, won at least once, but none look likely to be able to live with the two favourites.

Nevertheless, the last time we billed a top Korean contest as being a match-race, it was Areumdaun Jilju Vs Gaeseon Janggun in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at Busan. Both were left embarrassed by unfancied Yeongung Manse.

Click here for past performance information (in Korean). Here’s the full list of runners and riders (Name/pedigree/sex/records/jockey):


Herald Business Cup – Seoul Race Park – 1200M – Dec 6, 2009, 16:45

1. Slew Bubble [Field Asuka – Simple Charm (Capote)] F (6/1/1/1) – Kim Cheol Ho
2. Muhandeunggeuk [Trick Of Fate – Odelia (Canny Lad)] C (5/1/1/0) – Kim Dong Cheol
3. Full Step [Didyme – Fox Dance (Foxtrail)] C (3/2/1/0) – Oh Kyoung Hoan
4. Yodongjewang [Field Asuka – Mary Wonder (Shahrastani)] C (3/1/1/1) – Choi Beom Hyun
5. Silver Mon [Distilled – Silver Fizz (Cee’s Tizzy)] C (2/1/0/0) – Boo Min Ho
6. Seonbongbulpae [Newsprint – Jeseok (Lost Mountain)] C (3/3/0/0) – Jo In Kwen
7. Northern Ace [Didyme – Telegraph Road (Royal Academy)] C (2/2/0/0) – Cho Kyoung Ho
8. Hushtilled [Distilled – Miss Alwuhush (Alwuhush)] F (6/1/2/1) – Moon Se Young

* The 2008 edition of the race was won by Nice Choice who went on to become Seoul’s top three-year old this year. Narrowly missing out on winning a classic, he landed the prestigious Group 1 President’s Cup last month. Whoever wins this year’s race is likely to come up against him at some stage in 2010.

Yeonseung Daero Set to Shine in Cup

Yeongung Manse, Areundaum Jilju, Pangpang also up for Owner’s Cup
Areumdaun Jilju and Yeonsung Daero could have been in Seoul next week contesting the Grand Prix, arguably the peninula’s most prestigious race. Instead they have elected to stay home in Busan where their presence ensures a quality line-up in this coming Sunday’s Busan Owner’s Cup.

While it means the home-bred assault on the Grand Prix will be understrength, given that Yeonseung Daero and Areumdaun Jilju were both beaten in the Metropolitan by Bulpae Gisang – a horse who will be second favourite at best at Seoul next week – perhaps it is an understandable decision.

That’s not to say it will be a two-horse race. Yeongung Manse, though fifth in the Metropolitan, beat Areumdaun Jilju in September and can’t be ruled out. Top Grade makes his first appearance in elite company and is well handicapped. Meanwhile, Glory Champ has won his last two races, both over this distance.

Also well handicapped is the only filly in the race. Pangpang stunned Sangseung Ilro to win the Oaks on a hot evening in August. In her two outings since,she hasn’t troubled the placings but she’s proved she can perform. Galsaek Teukgeup looks outclassed while Conqueror, Sandeomi and Viva Canon, while proven winners, have struggled of late.

It all points to a golden opportunity for Yeonseung Daero, who underperformed in the classics and suffered a near miss in the Metropolitan, to start living up to his undoubted potential.

The race is off at 15:20 on Sunday afternoon and is race 5 of a six-race card. Busan also holds a card on Friday. Seoul will host racing on Saturday and Sunday with the Herald Business topping the bill on Sunday. We’ll have a full preview of that race tomorrow.

Click here for past performance information (in Korean). Here’s a full list of the runners and riders (Name/sex/age/record/weight/jockey):

Owner’s Cup – Busan Race Park – 2000M – Dec 6, 2009 – 15:20

1. Glory Champ [Whywhywhy – Tapas (Sky Classic)] C 4 (16/8/2/0) 55.5kg – Yoo Hyun Myoung
2. Top Grade [Texas Glitter – Potential Storm (Cape Town)] G 3 (9/6/2/0) 53.5kg – Jo Sung Gon
3. Viva Canon [Tahamkke – Special Craft (Crafty Prospector)] C 3 (16/3/4/2) 50kg – Kim Yong Geun
4. Yeongung Manse [Sharp Appeal – Saratogasplash (Wild Again)] G 3 (18/9/3/2) 57kg – Jo Chang Wook
5. Conqueror [Revere – Model Actress (Stage Colony)] C 3 (14/4/3/0) 50kg – Martin Wepner
6. Sandeomi [Commendable – Regal Meg (Regal Classic)] C 3 (12/5/1/1) 50kg – Kim Eu Su
7. Galsaek Teukgeup [Belong To Me – Parish Land (Deputy Minister)] C 3 (10/1/3/3) – 50kg – Seo In Seob
8. Pangpang [Revere – Awishnotalark (Rio’s Lark)] F 3 (18/4/1/1) 50kg – Han Sang Gyu
9. Yeonseung Daero [Creek Cat – Sensationalkris (Cryptoclearance)] C 3 (16/8/2/2) 56.5kg – Park Geum Man
10. Areumdaun Jilju [Didyme – Chills Of Nepal (Nepal)] H 5 (22/14/3/2) 59kg – Jo Chan Hoon

* In 2008, this race was won by one time KRA Cup Classic winner and track stalwart Luna. The eight year old mare was retired last month after a career of thirty-three outings, with thirteen wins, five seconds and two thirds. Her last race was a win over seven furlongs at class 1 on November 13.