Race Reviews

Global Hit Grinds To Busan Homecoming Victory

Global Hit found himself in trouble but managed to dig himself out and ultimately grind down stablemate Speed Young to take a narrow win in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan on Sunday afternoon.

Global Hit edges out Speed Young in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Making a rare appearance at his home track, GLOBAL HIT was sent off as the prohibitive 1.1 favourite for the race but found himself pocketed and unable to find a run until late on. By that time SPEED YOUNG had launched his bid for home and it took until the very final strides for Global Hit to get on terms and ultimately pass him to win by a neck.

The one-two was the same as in last month’s YTN Cup at Seoul, when Global Hit finished five-lengths to the good. That day’s fourth placegetter and Herald Business winner SUCCESS BAEKPA was six-lengths back in 3rd.

“The start was quicker than in the 2000M races so it was hard to find position, especially when (Daeam Janggun) came across and I couldn’t get out” winning jockey Kim Hye-sun explained to KBS N Sports. “It was then very close in the straight. I think we will take this experience of 1800M and try to avoid making the same mistake in the Korea Cup.”

The win was Global Hit’s twelfth in twenty-one lifetime starts. It was his ninth Group race success but his first at Busan, where his and Speed Young’s trainer Bang Dong-suk is based.

It’s probable that Global Hit will follow the same route as he did last year and not race again until defending the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul on August 3rd in the lead up to the Korea Cup (1800M IG3) on September 7.  Speed Young will probably be sent to defend the Busan Owner’s Cup (1600M KOR-G3) that he won last year on June 29.

Despite only prevailing narrowly, Global Hit looks a far better horse than he was a year ago. With his early pace and sustained finish – the latter getting him and his jockey out of trouble on Sunday – he very nearly has the full package. He is the best local hope for September’s international races.

In related news, three-year-old import WONPYEONG STORM, who was five for five before finding the Herald Business in March a bit too much too soon returned to action at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. The Tale Of The Cat colt was a dominant winner of the Sports Kyunghyang Trophy (rating 95 or less), cruising home eight lengths to the good over a mile.

Next weekend the feature action is at Busan again with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3), the final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer for fillies and mares on Sunday.

Oasis Blue Wins Korean Derby – One Jewel From Triple Crown

The so-called curse of the KRA Cup Mile is over as Oasis Blue became the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to follow-up victory in that race by winning the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1), scoring by a comfortable two-lengths at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Oasis Blue and Jin Kyum salute in the Korean Derby (Pic: KRA)

Having won the KRA Cup Mile in April by four-lengths, Oasis Blue was sent off as the 1.5 favourite, a price that regardless of his merits seemed short when drawn in gate thirteen in a sixteen-runner race on a wet surface at a track he never experienced before. All while trying to do what doesn’t get often done.

Jockey Jin Kyum didn’t panic and was seemingly content to stay wide throughout on Oasis Blue, safe in the knowledge that he had the best horse under him. They improved rapidly in the backstraight to sit just behind the leading pair in the and, once the brakes were removed after tuning for home, proved way too strong, winning by two-lengths.

Unju Guy was a 56/1 revelation in 2nd while the second-favourite Eclipse the King was 3rd. Both of those raced on pace throughout on a weekend where the wet track was favouring front runners and who in the latter’s case, led from the gate until Oasis Blue swept past late.

Oasis Blue moved on to six wins from nine starts (plus one disqualification) and fo jockey Jin Kyum, winning his first Derby – and his first Group 1 – he could well prove to be a career-defining horse.

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GLOBAL HIT AND SPEED YOUNG SEE OFF BRAVE YUMENO HONOO IN YTN

In the end all parties emerged with heads held high. Global Hit ran out a comfortable five-length winner of the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) sparing any possible blushes for the local contingent, while Japan’s Yumeno Honoo ran with enormous credit, finishing 3rd, just a head behind Speed Young in 2nd on his first time racing outside of Kochi and on an anticlockwise track.

Global Hit successfully defends the YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)

Korean punters certainly respected the visitor, Yumeno Honoo being sent off the 2.3 second favourite to Global Hit’s 1.9, those the only two in the market on a win line. And any doubts about the unfamiliar environment affecting Yumeno Honoo’s starting manners were dispelled when he leapt out on pace and tracked Miracle Marine, who as expected sprung out of gate two and into the lead.

Global Hit meanwhile had to navigate from gate twelve racing handy but wide for much of the early part of the race, with jockey Kim Hye-sun evidently determined not to allow Yumeno Honoo and Hiroto Yoshihara to get the jump on them.

By the time they entered the home straight, Global Hit was straining to be let loose and after Miracle Marine gave way, Global Hit cruised past new leader Yumeno Honoo as well as his stablemate Speed Young and dominated the closing stages. Yumeno Honoo was headed by Speed Young but was a full length and a half clear of Herald Business winner Success Baekpa in 4th.

“I always try to enjoy myself, but I felt pressure until yesterday” winning jockey Kim Hye-sun, for who Global Hit has been a career-defining horse, told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “There is always a lot of expectation and support for Global Hit, but I think it was more intense this time with the Japanese horse here.”

“I know there was some doubt about how he would fare after Dubai, but the result speaks for itself. There were so many variables coming into this race, but we wanted to be on pace and once the gate opened, he began well. I thought (Yumeno Honoo) might go a little faster and I was surprised how well we won by.”

Winning trainer Bang Dong-suk, who also saddled Speed Young to 2nd place, said that Global Hit has benefitted from his Dubai trip. “I think he has grown – or upgraded would be a better word – through his time in Dubai. He returned healthy so was ready for this.”

“I discussed (with jockey Kim Hye-sun) and we decided to go forward as much as possible at the start, like he did in Dubai.”

“Japanese horses are renowned the world over and although (Yumeno Honoo) is from a local racecourse, I had a lot of respect for him. So, I am very happy to win.”

Global Hit and Kim Hye-sun in the YTN Winner’s Circle (Pic: KRA)

Quizzed on what was next for Global Hit – the potential for a rare outing at his home track of Busan in the final leg of the Stayer Series, the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) followed by the KRA Cup Classic in August and then the Korea Cup in September the logical path – the trainer played a straight bat.

“The only thing that determines it is (Global Hit’s) health. We will do our best to help him be fit and healthy and then decide where to go.”

Speed Young’s jockey Park Jae-I (who is married to Kim Hye-sun) also spoke after the race. “I was pleased with how it went, better than I expected. I was wide but I didn’t really have a choice from gate fifteen and I just wanted to get as close as possible. I had hoped for more of a kick at the end, but Global Hit was out of sight.”

“Global Hit is really strong” said Yumeno Honoo’s rider Hiroto Yoshihara. “I was worried about the start, but it all went smoothly, and I was able to settle into 2nd place. Yumeno Honoo gave his best and really the race couldn’t have gone any better.”

Yumeno Honoo flies back to Japan on Monday afternoon, and he goes back having demonstrated that the Kochi form can stand up. It may not be too long until another Japanese visitor tries their luck here with Strike On among the preliminary nominations for the final leg of the Sprint Series on May 18th.

Global Hit moves on to eleven wins from nineteen starts. The Korea Cup will be harder. Fit and healthy, of course.

Next week the attention turns to the filly and mare division with the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer (1400M KOR-G2).

Vincero Cavallo Adds Second Leg of Sprint Series in Dominant SBS Sports Showing

Vincero Cavallo cemented his status as the nation’s top sprinter as he pulled away from the field late to win the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, adding to his win in the Busan Ilbo Sprint, the opening leg of the Sprint Series a month ago.

Sent off as one of three almost co-favourites, Jo Jae-ro settled Vincero Cavallo into his preferred midfield position as the one of the other two at the top of the market, Choegoui Kkum vied for the lead with expected front-runner Super Finish.

As the field fanned across the track entering the home straight, Vincero Cavallo quickly cut the gap to the leaders and then pulled away in the closing stages, crossing the line two-lengths to the good. Tony Castanheira’s 60/1 chance Black Musk was a fast-finishing 2nd under Kozzi Asano, while Black Mamba and Alan Munro came home 3rd.

“He actually started a little too well” winning jockey Jo Jae-ro told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “But then the others went through, and we were able to settle. On the 4th corner I was confident he would win although I was surprised how easily he did it.”

“Everything went to plan” trainer Seo In-seok confirmed to KRBC. “Yesterday’s rain was a bit of a concern as you never know what effect it will have but it was fine. The intention was to settle back like last time and after the start, Jo Jae-ro made a good decision to be patient and I think that won us the race.”

Black Musk was a winner at Group level over 1200M all the way back in May of 2022 and while he did win a class 1 handicap over the same distance last October, it was still a remarkable return to form on the big stage especially having taken a big bump from either side coming out of the gate. Disappointment of the race was Choegoui Kkum who, after a bright start finished back in 11th. No lameness was found although jockey Masa Tanaka commented that “his stride felt heavier than last time.”

Vincero Cavallo [Cowboy Cal – City Lass (by City Zip)] is a four-year-old colt who was a revelation when an excellent 6th of fifteen behind Remake in the Korea Sprint last September. Since then, he has run seven times for five wins and while that has been a hectic schedule – Jockey Jo mentioned the horse was “mentally and physically tired after Busan”, he keeps on lifting.

Now Korea’s leading contender for this year’s Korea Sprint, Vincero Cavallo may need to lift again much sooner if he is to sweep all three legs of the Sprint Series, which concludes with the SROA Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-G2) on Sunday May 18th. An international blue book race, there are strong rumours of Japanese interest.

There is confirmed Japanese interest in next Sunday’s YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Stayer Series. Also an international blue book race, Yumeno Honoo has travelled over from Kochi to become the first overseas trained runner in a Korean non-invitational race since Esmeraldina won the Ttukseom Cup in 2015. Global Hit and Success Baekpa await him in the most eagerly anticipated showdown of the season so far.

Global Hit Wins Grand Prix, Next Stop Dubai!

Global Hit wrapped up Horse of the Year honours and sealed his passage to Dubai with a display of home straight dominance to secure a comfortable victory in the Grand Prix (2300M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, the horse and jockey Kim Hye-sun both sealing the biggest wins of their respective careers.  

Global Hit goes clear of Tuhonui Banseok, Success Baekpa, and Speed Young (Pic: KRA)

With the snow that was piled high at the side of the track following the record-breaking snowfall earlier in the week rapidly thawing as temperatures rose, Global Hit was sent off as the 1.4 favourite among the fourteen-strong field in the time-honoured final Group 1 of the season, a race in which he was beaten just a nose by Winner’s Man a year ago.

Under jockey Kim, Global Hit settled in the front of midfield as the field made their way through the first part of the race with the pace being set by stablemates American Gold and Black Belt with Naol Sniper and Tuhonui Banseok prominent.

It would stay that way until turning for home when Bart Rice’s Tuhonui Banseok, the only Korea-based horse to beat Global Hit this calendar year, struck the front and laid down the gauntlet. Once unleashed in the home straight though, Global Hit proved far too strong breezing past to run on and score by just under two-lengths on the line.

Global Hit, Grand Prix 2024 (Pic: KRA)

Tuhonui Banseok, racing for the first time since finishing as runner-up to Global hit in August’s KRA Cup Classic, was 2nd once more, with three-year-old double Classic winner Success Baekpa running on for a big 3rd place. Global Hit’s stablemate Speed Young was 4th.

“Actually, my goal was to win the Grand Prix last year.” Winning jockey Kim Hye-sun told in-house broadcaster KRBC after the race. “But we came 2nd, and I still blame myself a lot for that and thankfully today I was finally able to resolve it.”

“I have to thank Global Hit” she continued, “but I also have to thank the owner (Kim Joon-hyun) for sticking with me when there are so many qualified and skilled male jockeys. It would have been easy for him to change (after last year) but he stuck with me, and I am so grateful for his trust and to pay him back today,”

Global Hit and connections in the Grand Prix winner’s circle (Pic: KRA)

Jockey Kim also paid tribute to trainer Bang Dong-suk and his staff. “I feel like the trainer and assistants at stable 26 (Bang Dong-suk) are a perfect match and I’m really honoured to work with them.”

Global Hit will, all being well with his post-race vet checks, immediately enter pre-export quarantine before flying to Dubai and taking his chance at the Carnival in in the new year. He has a high international rating, which means he will probably need to compete in Group company at Meydan. The owner has selected Kim Hye-sun to also travel to ride him and the jockey said they are ready.

Hye-sun receives the acclaim – and the roses – from the crowd (Pic: KRA)

“I have high expectations. As a rider, it will be a great experience, and it is also amazing that (Global Hit) has the opportunity to go. I have always felt that I am riding a truly great horse, but I felt it even more this time and I am looking forward to working with him in Dubai.”

Global Hit [To Honor And Serve – Tammy’s Victress (by Yankee Victor)] moves on to ten win from seventeen lifetime starts. Bred by the Yeonhak Agricultural Co., he is owned by Kim Joon-hyun and trained by Bang Dong-suk.

Breeders’ Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 24)

Two big races at Busan on Sunday with the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie to decide the year’s champion Korean bred juvenile, as well as the Listed Breeders’ Cup Queen, the final leg of the Queens’ Tour for fillies and mares. There are 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05, and 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Wonderful Slew (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Small field of juvenile maidens with six of the eight racing for the first time. (8) SEMYEONG DIA will be the warm favourite. She’s raced twice, improving from 7th on debut to 2nd at start number two over this distance on October 27th when handy throughout and beaten by a good winner. She should have the fitness edge on these and will take some beating. Second favourite will be the pick of the newcomers in (5) CHAMP HAMSEONG. He raced close to the pace in his trial, crossing the line 3rd in a good time and if he brings that form to the races, can be a danger. (6) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG and (2) HANGANG FANTASTIC also hinted at ability in their respective trials and can be considered. The other one with experience, (3) LALA GIRL was sent off as favourite on debut back in August but while that didn’t go well, she can be given another chance here after thirteen weeks off.

Selections(8) Semyeong Dia (5) Champ Hamseong (6) Jeulgeoun Sangsang (2) Hangang Fantastic
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Ten imported American juvenile maidens chase a big prize with five of them racing for the first time. The experience is favoured, principally (7) TAP TIER who, after winning a trial, was a desperately close 2nd on debut over this distance on October 26th, showing on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a quick time. He should have come on for the run but won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win this. (6) BREEDO SIRIS has raced twice with a 5th and a 3rd and shapes as the probable second favourite coming from off the pace. (8) DREAMER WHIZ ran 3rd on debut over 1000M and should have come on for the run. (2) MAJOR CROWN was poor on debut in September but has subsequently trialed up well and should be better this time.  As for the first timers, (9) PICTURE is the pick.

Selections(7) Tap Tier (6) Breedo Siris (8) Dreamer Whiz (2) Major Crown
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

We’ll take a chance on (11) DUSTIN MARINE. After a promising trial, he got a bit far back on debut over 1200M on October 25th before running on. The step up to 1400M can suit, and Moon Se-young, in town to ride in the feature races later on, is an intriguing booking. (9) BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd place on her first try at this distance on October 27th, coming from off the pace. There isn’t much early speed here, so she may be closer to the pace this time and based on that latest effort, will probably start as the betting favourite. (3) TEAM SURPRISE was 4th in that October 27th race behind Boryeonglightqueen. She also has a 2nd place to her name and while she has a tendency to start slowly, she can be in the mix here. (10) CAPTAIN KOREA and (6) WORLD TAEYANG others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(11) Dustin Marine (9) Boryeonglightqueen (3) Team Surprise (10) Captain Korea
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Small field of maidens and (5) CHEONGSAN JILJU will be favourite. He’s finished between 3rd and 5th in all of his four starts so far, with the 5th place coming in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles. He has a strong finish on him and the slight step up in trip should mean he proves too strong. (6) RAON NIZHINSKII may be in need of a spell-check, but he improved to 3rd place at start number two on October 19th settling midfield and running on. He finished off well and is another who the additional half furlong can benefit.  (8) SPLENDID rounds out the top three with scope to get better after four fair outings so far. Sole debut-maker (4) GHOST CHRYSOL didn’t catch the eye in his trial but went around fairly and has to be given a minor money chance first up in this company. (7) MARUBYEOL too can aim for some minor money.

Selections(5) Cheongsan Jilju (6) Raon Nizhinskii (8) Splendid (4) Ghost Chrysol
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Competitive race with eight of the twelve having finished inside the top three in their respective latest outings. (6) UNJU CHALLENGE is among them, having scored her maiden win at start two at the end of September before finishing 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on October 25th. She has proven able to run well from the lead or from off the pace and she can win here. (3) NINETY PLUS ran 2nd behind the excellent Winner Clear in the Gansgeo-gu Mayor’s Trophy over 1200M on September 8th. He then had no luck from a wide draw over 1400M in October, but he evidently has plenty of quality and is worth another chance here. (11) MAKE IT BETTER won over a mile at class 6 level in September before running 2nd on October 25th. He was favourite that day and can be in the mix again. (7) ARION TAEYANG and (5) ALPHA HEART, the latter having won that October 25th race ahead of Make It Better, are others to consider.

Selections(6) Unju Challenge (3) Ninety Plus (11) Make It Better (7) Arion Taeyang
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start6, 7, 11, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

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Global Hit Adds President’s Cup To Burgeoning Big Race Haul

Global Hit tightened his grip over the elite level of racing here on Sunday afternoon with a dominant win at Seoul Racecourse in the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1).

Global Hit with his grooms, jockey and trainer (Pic: KRA)

Under Kim Hye-sun, the four-year-old Global Hit (by To Honor and Serve) stalked the leaders until unleashing in the home straight and running on to win by five-lengths from Naol Sniper. Global Hit’s stablemate in the Bang Dong-suk barn, Speed Young, was 3rd.

“I’m happy, I’m so happy. It’s a Group 1 race so I was nervous but at the same time I tried to enjoy it. I’m really proud of Global Hit’s performance today” winning jockey Kim Hye-sun told in-house broadcaster KRBC.

“The strategy was just to sit where he was comfortable and then just to maintain that position, let him do his thing and then let him go.”

A year ago, Global Hit, fresh from winning the Korean Derby was beaten seven lengths in the President’s Cup by Winner’s Man. He would then push the older horse all the way to the line. Winner’s Man was formally retired earlier this month and capturing the Grand Prix Stakes is set to be next on the agenda for Global Hit.

Global Hit (Pic: KRA)

“I think we go to the Grand Prix” said jockey Kim. “I know the fans want it and so do I. The Grand Prix is a more meaningful race than the President’s Cup and I still regret and blame myself that we came 2nd (by a nose to Winner’s Man) in last year’s Grand Prix.”

Hye-sun probably didn’t mean to do down the President’s Cup, but the Grand Prix, while worth the same prize money, is a longer standing race and is open to foreign bred as well as Korean bred horses. 

 “This time there will be no excuses but also, I don’t feel the pressure anymore; I enjoy it. All of the team at Stable 26 (Bang Dong-suk’s barn at Busan) try to make a fun and supportive environment and I am grateful for the trust we all have in each other.”

The win was Global Hit’s second Group 1 success, following his Korean Derby victory last year. Winning the Grand Prix over 2300M on December 1st, will take him to within one of matching Winner’s Man, who achieved a career Grand Slam of winning every Korean G1. Of course, the final one will prove more difficult in the shape of the Korea Cup (or Sprint).

Global Hit goes clear (Pic: KRA)

Overall, it was an encouraging race for the future with the first three placegetters all four-years-old. Chasing them home in 4th place was this year’s KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup winner, Success Baekpa, making a hugely encouraging return to action, racing for the first time since the final leg of the Triple Crown in June.

In a significant downer for the race though, the decision to enter sprinter Beolmaui Star, despite the runner-up in the 2023 Korea Sprint never having run any further than a mile, backfired when after leading, he rapidly faded and crossed the line one from last. Later he was found to have a fracture of the 4th metacarpal bone. World Dragon, who was last, was not reported to have any immediate physical issues.

Next weekend, attention turns to the juvenile division with the NACF Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul and the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy at Busan, both Listed stops on the Juvenile Series.

Speed Young Claims Dominant Owners’ Cup Win

It was a long time coming but the 2022 Champion Juvenile Speed Young finally made his way back into the Graded Stakes winner’s circle last Sunday, routing a top line field to win the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) by eight lengths.

Sent off as the slight favourite in the sixteen-strong field, Speed Young was handy throughout before kicking clear in the home straight under jockey Kim Hye-sun and winning with plenty to spare. Veteran Simjangui Godong was 2nd with sprinter Eoma Eoma 3rd.

“He won the Breeders’ Cup as a two-year-old but he hasn’t been a straightforward horse” winning trainer Bang Dong-suk, told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “He had quite an impatient temperament, was difficult to control and had a habit of overdoing things. He seems to now be maturing.”

“I didn’t necessarily expect to win and I was a little concerned about the amount of rain, but I am very happy that the disappointment of (Speed Young) always finishing 2nd or 3rd, is now over.

Success Baekpa Adds Minister’s Cup to Cup Mile in Triple Crown Finale

There may be no Triple Crown winner, but Success Baekpa confirmed his place on top of the three-year-old ranks with a commanding nine-length victory in the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. Added to his win in the KRA Cup Mile and 3rd place in the Korean Derby, Success Baekpa ran out the winner of the Triple Crown series by almost 600 points.

Success Baekpa goes clear (Pic: KRA)

True the task was made somewhat simpler for Success Baekpa at the start when World Dragon, who was set to jump as third favourite in the betting market, reared in the gate, crunching jockey Seo Seung-un into the machine. With the field backed out for a reload neither horse nor jockey was passed fit to race. That left fifteen in the race.

Hangang Class was sent off as the favourite at marginally better than even-money once World Dragon was removed from the pool, but it was outsiders Great Winner and Miracle Marine who set the early pace while Success Baekpa, the 4.5 second favourite sat behind the leaders alongside Nice Time, who began third in the market.

Into the home straight, jockey You Hyun-myung asked Success Baekpa for an effort and the Purge colt cruised clear, putting the result beyond doubt a full furlong from home. Nice Time crossed the line in 2nd place, a full nine-lengths adrift, while a further four-lengths back, Doctor Kingdom edged out the Derby winner Eunpa Sarang by a nose.

“I made a few mistakes (in the Korean Derby) but this time we were very well prepared” winning jockey You Hyun-myung told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The draw didn’t really matter and there were no opponents that we were afraid of here. The pace was a little fast, but he showed no signs of fatigue.” When quizzed on what was next for the colt, You replied: “The aim is to come back here and win the President’s Cup.”

The President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) is the richest race restricted to Korean bred horses that is age open and Success Baekpa can expect to come up against Global Hit, last year’s Minister’s Cup winner. This year it will take place on October 13th. Connections may well be tempted by a tilt at the international Korea Cup in early September, although that will be a far harder ask.

You Hyun-myung salutes the crowd after the Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Success Baekpa is by Purge and out of the 2007 Korean Oaks winner Baekpa (by Revere). He was bred by Kang Seung-youn and was purchased by her owner Lee Jong-hun for KRW 90 Million at the November 2022 Yearling Sale. He moves on to a record of five wins from nine starts.

In the final standings for the Triple Crown series, Success Baekpa finished on top with 1600 points with Eunpa Sarang in 2nd with 1030. His Minister’s Cup runner-up finish saw Nice Time jump up two places to 3rd overall with 700 points.

There is no Stakes action next week in Seoul with the next big race being the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) on June 30th. The early entries comprise an intriguing mix of stayers and sprinters with Tuhonui Banseok and Eoma Eoma, as well as unbeaten import Sky Wind among twenty-two still in.

Beolmaui Star Puts Start & Dubai Woes Behind Him in SBS Sports Sprint Triumph

It was always going to be about the start for Beolmaui Star. At Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, the five-year-old shrugged off his recent gate woes to begin beautifully and cross to the lead and then proceeded to make every post the proverbial winning post in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Beolmaui Star and Seo Seung-un after winning the SBS (Pic: KRA)

The so-called generational shift hinted at with Raon The Point’s victory over fellow four-year-old Something Lost in the first leg of the Sprint Series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint last month, will have to wait. Something Lost was sent off as favourite and was in the race a long way, crossing the line 3rd, just a length and a half behind Beolmaui Star.

But Raon The Point, while showing near the front early on, faded from the scene early and finished well back. Instead, it was the veteran Eoma Eoma, showing he is far from done yet, who was a fast-finishing 2nd, three-quarters of a length behind the winner.

Beolmaui Star was unable to run in the Busan Ilbo as his quarantine period on his return from his disappointing Dubai sojourn meant that he wasn’t able to return to work in time Local punters didn’t care about that and also ignored those Dubai results and his latest start in Korea, when missing the start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy last November, and they made him 2nd favourite behind Something Lost. 

“I was actually nervous” winning trainer Baik Kwang-yeol told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The first time I have ever been nervous before a Group race.”

Eoma Eoma made a late bid but couldn’t get there (Pic: KRA)

Baik didn’t talk much more about the race but expanded on his chastening experience at the Dubai Carnival with a horse he felt, given the times he had run at 1200M – and having finished just four-lengths behind international superstar Remake – should have been competitive, but was not:

“I thought we prepared well for Dubai but ultimately, I felt like that frog in the well (who knows nothing of the sea). He can (run the times necessary to be competitive) but just couldn’t adjust to the pace and tempo of the race there. If we can’t adjust to that then (Korean racing) will never be any better, I feel good and fortunate to have won today, but I will not just be satisfied with this.”

Beolmaui Star seems to love racing at Seoul. After the Korea Sprint and before his Dubai disgrace, he also messed up the start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy in Busan last November, but this time, back in the capital, there was no mistake.

“(Beolmaui Star) has just one drawback” winning jockey Seo Seung-un explained to KRBC. “He can get anxious in the gates, and he is a lead horse so if he makes a mistake at the start, he simply won’t get a result. So, we trained a lot to get the start right and he did and then we were able to carry out our plan effectively.”

(Pic: KRA)

As for the Dubai expedition, Seo, who travelled over to Meydan to ride his first race, didn’t have much of an explanation and quickly moved on. “There wasn’t a particular problem with the horse, he just didn’t run well. Next month is the SROA Chairman’s Trophy over the same 1200M distance so if the horse is in good health and condition then there will be a high possibility that we will be here.”

Like Moon Se-young two weeks ago, Seo also noted the demographics among the racegoers. “When I come to Seoul, I feel like I can receive a lot of support because the crowd is so big. The number of younger fans has increased a lot, so the atmosphere makes it feel like the culture has changed a lot compared to just ten years ago. It is really nice to see.”

The final leg of the Sprint Series is the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) at Seoul on Sunday May 19th. Next weekend, the focus shifts back to the Korea Cup lead-up with the Stayer Series and Global Hit heading the field in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon.