News

Hyun Myung-Kwan Appointed KRA Chairman

The Korea Racing Authority has announced the appointment of a new Chairman. Hyun Myung Kwan will be inaugurated for a three-year term at Seoul Racecourse on Thursday.

Hyun Myung Kwan (KRA)

Hyun Myung Kwan (KRA)

A native of Jeju Island, the 72-year-old Hyun began his working life in the 1960’s as a civil servant at the Board of Audit and Inspection but has spent most of his career at Samsung.

He eventually rose to become Chairman of Samsung C&T and was a close aide of Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun Hee.

More recently, Hyun also worked on President Park Geun Hye’s election campaign.

He succeeds outgoing Chairman Jang Tae Pyeong and his term will expire in December 2016.

His thoughts on who will win next week’s Grand Prix Stakes are, as yet, unknown. No doubt he is studying the form right now.

Grand Prix Voting Results: Jigeum I Sungan, Beolmaui Kkum Top Poll

The results of the public vote for invitations to the Grand Prix Stakes at Seoul Race Park on December 15 were published today.

Popular: Jigeum I Sungan

Popular: Jigeum I Sungan

Like Japan’s “Arima Kinen” the public gets to choose which horses they want to see run in the season-ending showpiece. This year 42 horses – 21 each from Seoul and Busan – were on the ballot with the top 8 from each track getting the first invites to fill the maximum field size of 16.

Connections are still under no obligation to run but it is expected that most will. 2012 Korean Derby winner Jigeum I Sungan topped the Seoul vote with Smarty Moonhak, 3rd in the race as a 2-year-old in 2011, just behind him. That year’s Grand Prix winner Tough Win was the public’s 3rd choice.

At Busan, Gukje Sinmun winner Beolmaui Kkum headed the poll with recent President’s Cup winner Indie Band in 2nd place ahead of Gyeongbudaero. 2012 Grand Prix winner Gamdonguibada was 4th in the Busan vote.

Peter Wolsley’s Governor’s cup heroine Secret Whisper is sure of a run, having come in 5th but the Aussie trainer’s other hope, Cheongchun Bulpae is missing out at the moment.

Here’s a list of the top 10 vote-getters at each track with their 2013 Stakes race wins (if any) listed:

Seoul Top 10

1. Jigeum I Sungan (KOR) – Seoul Owners’ Cup, Jeju Governor’s Cup
2. Smarty Moonhak (USA)
3. Tough Win (USA) – Busan Metropolitan Stakes
4. Mari Daemul (USA) – KRA Cup Classic
5. Indian Blue (USA) – Segye Ilbo Cup
6. Gippeun Sesang (CAN)
7. Murangae (USA)
8=. Mr. Rocky (KOR)
9=. Berongi (USA)

Busan Top 10

1. Beolmaui Kkum (USA) – Gukje Sinmun Cup
2. Indie Band (KOR) – President’s Cup, Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Cup
3. Gyeongbudaero (KOR) – Busan Owners’ Cup
4. Gamdonguibada (USA)
5. Secret Whisper (KOR) – Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup
6. Useung Touch (KOR) – Ttukseom Cup
7. Cheonji Bulpae (AUS)
8. Lion Santa (USA)
9. Cheongchun Bulpae (KOR)
10. Nuri Choegang (USA)

Brilliant Watts Village Makes History Winning Japan-Korea Cup In Tokyo

In what was arguably the finest ever race run by a Korean-trained racehorse, Watts Village won the Japan-Korea Interaction Cup at Ohi Racecourse in Tokyo tonight.

Watts Village Conquers Ohi (Pic: keiba.co.jp_)

Watts Village Conquers Ohi (Pic: keiba.co.jp)

After coming so close to winning the first leg of the Korea vs Japan challenge in Seoul back in September, Watts Village made no mistake this time as, under Seo Seung Un, he led from gate-to-wire to record a famous victory in the Japanese capital.

It was a perfectly timed ride from Seo. Watts Village took an early lead and maintained it as his challengers massed behind. In the final furlong they pressed and pressed. The pressure was relentless and they came so close to sweeping by but gamely, gallantly, Watts Village held on.

Miyasan Cutie and Kogyo Douglas came closest to him, finishing an oh-so-close 2nd and 3rd.

Japan-Korea Interaction Cup – Ohi Racecourse – 1200M – November 26, 2013

1. Watts Village (USA) [Forestry – Edey’s Village (Silver Deputy)] – Seo Seung Un
2. Miyasan Cutie (JPN) [Kurofune – Innocent Nymph (Hector Protector)] – Daisuke Mashima
3. Kogyo Douglas (JPN) [Sterling Rose – Amore Pegasus (Mejiro Ryan)] – Takehiro Kashiwagi

Distances: Neck/1 length – 14 ran

In a race that was always to be dictated by early speed, the other Korean challengers Fly Top Queen and Full Moon Party gave what they could but were found wanting. Watts Village nailed it.

A three-year-old colt, Watts Village (Forestry) had, by virtue of his runner-up position to Tosen Archer in Seoul in September, already achieved an official rating of 100.

This qualified him to run in Dubai this winter. Connections had not been sure whether to take the offer up but now, with him already having passed Japanese quarantine, he might just go for it.

Nobody thought it could happen but tonight Korean trained racehorses went to Japan and against all odds – literally – one of them won. Korean horse-racing took a huge step forward tonight.

Japan Vs Korea – The “Interaction Cup” Full Preview

Japan bested Korea in Seoul back in September. Revenge is the name of the game when three Korea-trained horses line up at Ohi on Tuesday night in the “Japan Korea Interaction Cup”.

Fumio Matoba and Tosen Archer in the SBS Korea Vs Japan Cup Winner's Circle at Seoul in September

Fumio Matoba and Tosen Archer in the SBS Korea Vs Japan Cup Winner’s Circle at Seoul in September

While Tosen Archer, winner of that race in Seoul, tries to repeat his victory, Korea is this time represented by unbeaten filly Fly Top Queen, the nation’s most expensive import.

Watts Village, who was turned over in the final strides at Seoul, also takes his chance again while the visiting challenge is completed by top sprinter Full Moon Party.

They will face a home team that is dominated by speed. Indeed it seems that whoever gets to the first corner in front, will have an excellent chance of holding on. The Korea contingent need to make sure that it is them.

Here’s a full run down of the field with Name [Pedigree] Sex Age Home Track (Starts/1/2/3) – Jockey

Japan-Korea Interaction Cup – Ohi Racecourse – 1200M – November 26, 2013 – 20:15

1. Miyasan Cutie (JPN) [Kurofune – Innocent Nymph (Hector Protector)] M 5 Ohi (18/9/2/0) – Daisuke Mashima
Good figures but has only run 4 times this year and not since August. Is likely to be close to favourite but will need to run to her best to win.

2. Full Moon Party (KOR) [Vicar – Platinum Wildcat (Forest Wildcat)] F 4 Seoul (17/7/0/3) – Jo In Kwen
The only Korean-bred entry among the Korea raiders, she’s also the least fancied although she beat a host of big names in the TJK Trophy in August. Needs to get to the first corner first; if she does, anything can happen – if she doesn’t she’ll be well-beaten.

3. Saint March (JPN) [Durandal – Art Roman (Russian Roubles)] H 5 Ohi (23/7/9/3) – Norifumi Mikamoto
3 wins from 5 starts this year and looks like he will like the drop back to 6 furlongs. In form and a real chance.

4. Fly Top Queen (USA) [Henny Hughes – Cape Discovery (Cape Town)] F 3 Seoul (4/4/0/0) – Park Tae Jong
She’s Korea’s most expensive ever import and she’s never been beaten but so far she’s yet to face very much at all. Has travelled well and is said to be relishing the chance to run clockwise at Ohi. Most observers (including this one) are convinced she would have won the 1st leg in Seoul had she run. If she leads into the home straight, she wins.

5. Breeze Flavor (JPN) [Forty Niner – Memorable Green (Night Shift)] H 6 Urawa (27/10/3/0) – Kenichi Shigeta
While almost all of his wins have come oveer this distance, he’s been in dreadful form this year. No reason to think that will change here.

6. Watts Village (USA) [Forestry – Edey’s Village (Silver Deputy)] C 3 Seoul (12/6/2/1) – Seo Seung Un
Second to Tosen Archer in Seoul, he has every chance of beating him here – the only trouble is that Tosen Archer probably won’t be winning either. Like so many in this race, if he gets a good run early, he has a chance. If he doesn’t, he will fade.

7. Gaudy (JPN) [Precious Cafe – x (Sumano Daido)] H 5 Ohi (27/6/7/5) – Ryo Akamine
His dam’s name might not appear in the Studbook but he certainly has some speed. Again, he needs to be at the front early to show.

8. Adolescence (JPN) [Falbrav – Spring a Mine (Taysu Tsuyoshi)] H 6 Ohi (62/3/4/10) – Narazaki Kousuke
His jockey rode successfully at Busan for a year. He’s not got much chance of being successful here as Adolescence falls very much into the category of “old stager”. He’ll not be embarrassed but he’ll not be competing for the win either.

9. Final Score (JPN) [Fusaichi Pegasus – Final Destination (O’Reilly)] H 8 Ohi (41/6/7/4) – Takayuki Yano
He ran in the 1st leg at Seoul and finished 6th. It would be a surprise if he finished any higher here.

10. Kogyo Douglas (JPN) [Sterling Rose – Amore Pegasus (Mejiro Ryan)] H 6 Ohi (23/10/5/1) – Takihiro Kashiwagi
A horse who is always there or thereabouts and could be again. Without a win in almost 2 years but he always goes close. Tough to recommend him to win but he’ll not be going home without some money.

11. Tosen Archer (JPN) [Barathea – Interruption (Zafonic)] (48/5/2/5) H 9 Ohi – Fumio Matoba
He won the 1st leg in Seoul due to an inspired ride by 57-year-old jockey Fumio Matoba. It won’t happen here. Ohi’s track doesn’t lend itself to closers in the way that Seoul’s does and the rest of the field will be wise to him. Must be given respect though.

12. Auxerrois (USA) [Awesome Again – Sixtyone Margaux (Cozzene)] G 7 Funabashi (31/5/4/3) – Taito Mori
A physically very impressive specimen, Auxerrois is without a win or a place since January 2012 and his recent form suggest he will not be in contention.

13. Murakan Panther (JPN) [Admire Max – Spring Diana (Merry Nice)] F 4 Kawasaki (20/5/9/1) – Hironori Sato
Won three races in a row at Ohi this summer and must be in with a chance. Was only 6th last time out but with a drop to 6 furlomgs, he could bounce back.

14. Yasaka Fine (JPN) [Black Tuxedo – Nobo Mama (Nihon Pillow Winner)] H 7 Ohi (38/8/8/3) – Jun Aritoshi
Difficult to recommend a horse that hasn’t won since 2010 so we’ll not be doing that here. Yasaka Fine has put in some creditable performances recently but will not be coming close in this one.

Plenty of information on the race from the excellent Japan Racing News

On race day, live video can be viewed here. click “ライブ映像”

Thanks to uk_maniax for translations.

Joe Fujii Ton-Up At Busan

Joe Fujii became just the third ever foreign rider to reach 100 winners in Korea as he completed a double at Busan Racecourse this afternoon.

100-up : Joe Fujii

100-up : Joe Fujii

The Japanese jockey’s milestone came in race 11 as he partnered 4/1 chance Heba (Peace Rules) to victory.

That win – his second of the day – enabled Fujii to join his fellow countrymen Ikuyasu Kurakane and Toshio Uchida as century-getters in Korea.

His 100 includes some of Korea’s biggest races. He won the Grand Prix Stakes on Gamdonguibada last year and followed up with a Korean Derby and Korean Oaks double on Speedy First in 2013.

Joe – “Kanichiro” – Fujii has never ridden in his homeland of Japan, having travelled to Australia as a teenager to train as a jockey.

He narrowly missed out in the JRA exam this year and Japan’s loss is Korea’s gain as he continues to be the most in-demand jockey at Busan.

A highly professional rider, Fujii is also a highly likeable character who is a real student of horse racing.

One of very few foreign riders to have studied racing in Korea in detail before making the move here, he’s managed to not only become number 1 to Korea’s top trainer Kim Young Kwan, but also to achieve the almost impossible – to be liked by the local jockeys (although of course they would still love to see him depart).

His diligence has been reaping rewards with winners ever since he arrived and there’s no sign of it stopping.

French Jockey Jerome Lermyte Debuts At Busan Friday

There’s another addition to the foreign jockey ranks at Busan as French rider Jerome Lermyte makes his Korean debut on Friday.

Jerome Lermyte gets his Korean pose on (Pic: KRA)

Jerome Lermyte gets his Korean pose on (Pic: KRA)

The 24-year-old Lermyte may be young but he’s certainly well-travelled.

He started as an apprentice in France in 2005 and in his homeland he’s won several decent races including three “Tierce Cups”, the Derby de Lyon, the Grand Prix De Lyon and the Derby D’Angers.

Lermyte’s career also took him to Germany, Mauritius, the USA, Qatar and Kuwait before spending 2 years in Macau. Earlier this year, he had a stint riding in Western Australia.

With Ureshi Katsunori departing, Lermyte joins the Japanese pair of Joe Fujii and Masa Tanaka and Britain’s Darryll Holland as Busan’s overseas riders. Japan’s Ikuyasu Kurakane and Brazil’s Fausto Durso are the only foreign riders at Seoul.

Lermyte, who has a racing weight of 51kg, will have his first ride on Lethal Yeowang in Race 6 on Friday.

Fly Top Queen, Watts Village, Full Moon Party Settle In At Ohi

After spending a week at a quarantine facility 200km north of the Japanese capital, Fly Top Queen, Watts Village and Full Moon Party have finally arrived at Ohi Racecourse in Tokyo.

Morning trackwork at Ohi (Pic: Ryu Seung Ho/KRA)

Morning trackwork at Ohi (Pic: Ryu Seung Ho/KRA)

The trio have made the trip across the East Sea to take part in the 2nd leg of the Korea vs Japan Challenge at Ohi next Tuesday evening.

Watts Village in his new box at Ohi (Pic: Ryu Seung Ho/KRA)

Watts Village in his new box at Ohi (Pic: Ryu Seung Ho/KRA)

We’ll have a full preview of the race next Monday. In the meantime, check out our Facebook page for more pictures.

Korean Horses Arrive Safely In Japan

The three horses who will represent Korea in the second leg of the Korea vs Japan Challenge, have been in trackwork since touching down on Japanese soil last week.

The horses arrived by Korean Air last Thursday

The horses arrived by Korean Air last Thursday

After a stable-to-stable trip of 16 hours, Fly Top Queen, Watts Village and Full Moon Party arrived at the NAR Education Centre at Nasu, about 200km north of Tokyo where there is a quarantine facility.

Into the light: Trackwork at Nasu (Pic: KRA)

Into the light: Trackwork at Nasu (Pic: KRA)

All three horses travelled well and will soon relocate to Ohi Racecourse in Tokyo, where the race will take place next Tuesday evening (November 26). We’ll have more of the build up over the coming days. See Facebook for more pictures.

Seo Seung Un Represents Korea in Macau Jockey Challenge Friday

Last week it was Kim Hye Sun in Abu Dhabi, this week it’s the turn of Seo Seung Un to represent Korea. The young jockey is in Macau for the “Macao Gaming Show Invitational Jockey Challenge” which will be held at Taipa Racecourse this Friday evening.

Seo Seung Un poses with a doll and some Louis Vuitton in Macau yesterday (Pic: Macau Jockey Club)

Seo Seung Un poses in shiny suit with a doll and some Louis Vuitton in Macau yesterday (Pic: Macau Jockey Club)

Seo will join nine other visiting jockeys, plus two more representing Macau in the three-race challenge, competing for a HK$30,000 prize.

Only debuting in 2011, Seo is the star product of the KRA Jockey Academy and has broken the Korean record for quickest time to ride out an apprentice claim and quickest jockey to ride 100 career winners.

He currently lies in second place in the 2013 Seoul Jockey Championship.

This is Seo’s second visit to Macau as he took part in the 2012 Asia Young Guns Challenge. He also had a brief stint in the United States earlier that year, where he rode one winner.

He’s due back in Korea on Sunday to ride highly fancied Joy Lucky in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at Busan on Sunday and will head to Japan in the final week of November to ride Watts Village in the 2nd-leg of the Korea vs Japan challenge.

Among others competing in the challenge is Australia’s Claire Lindop while Wayne Lordan of Ireland and Muzi Yeni of South Africa, both veterans of previous challenges in Seoul, will also be there. Here’s a full list of jockeys competing and the nations they will represent:

Macau: Luis Corrales
Macau: Wah Lun Ho
Australia: Claire Lindop
Hong Kong: Keith Ming Lun Yun
Ireland: Wayne Lordan
Japan: Daisaku Matsuda
Korea: Seo Seung Un
Malaysia: Jose Bonifacio Pereira De Souza
Mauritius: Nooresh Juglall
Singapore: Jose Verenzuela
South Africa: Muzi Yeni
Turkey: Gokhan Kocakaya

Click Here for a full preview of the event from the Macau Jockey Club

Kim Hye Sun Finishes 7th in Abu Dhabi Challenge Race

Kim Hye Sun, who last week became the first Korean woman to ride 100 career winners, was in action in the United Arab Emirates last night.

Overseas racer: Kim Hye Sun

Overseas racer: Kim Hye Sun rode in Abu Dhabi this weekend

Kim made the trip to compete in the “HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship” challenge race at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

Riding 7-year-old Arabian gelding Al Mouttakel, Kim finished the race – which was won by Omani jockey Salima Al Taleei on the Jaci Wickam trained Kareem W’Rsan – in 7th place.

The race comments for Al Mouttakel were “Soon led, headed 400m out, weakened final 200m”. Kim, currently lies in 12th place in the Seoul Jockey Championship, despite spending a large portion of the year out injured.

More information at the Emirates Racing Authority

* In other overseas Korean news, Seoul trainer Seo Beom Seok, trained his first winner in Macau last week.