Racing Previews

Weekend Preview: Two Derby Winners In Action

We’re just 2 weeks away from the first leg of the 2013 Korean Triple Crown and, while the contenders for the KRA Cup Mile will most likely have already made their final appearance before the big race, former Korean Derby winners are on show at both Busan and Seoul this weekend.

Jigeum I Sungan will be favourite at Seoul on Sunday

Jigeum I Sungan will be favourite at Seoul on Sunday

Ebony Storm (Buster’s Daydream) was the longest shot on the board when he won the 2008 Derby.

While he’d never win another Stakes race, he’s gone on to become a solid handicapper over the years and, now 8 years old, will make his 50th start in Busan’s feature race on Sunday.

He’ll have his work cut out to win the 1400 metre contest but few would back against him getting in the money.

One horse that will be favourite this weekend is 2012 Korean Derby and Minister’s Cup winner Jigeum I Sungan (Ingrandire) as he heads the field in Seoul’s Sunday feature, the Listed Sports Donga Cup.

The double-Classic winner won’t have things all his own way against a line-up that includes competent performers such as Magnifique (Menifee) and Singgereounachim (Exploit) but should be seeing them off.

Here’s what’s happening where and when:

Friday March 22

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday March 23

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday March 24

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:00

Weekend Preview: Sixteen Line-Up For Ttukseom Cup

Between 1954 and 1988, Seoul Racecourse was located on the north bank of the River Han, when Seoul Forest now stands. Once a year, Korean racing honours its history with the running of the Ttukseom Cup. For the second year running, this year’s edition acts as the first leg of the Queens’ Tour, a series of races to decide Korea’s Champion filly or mare.

Royale Embrace and You Hyun Myung win last year's Ttukseom Cup, the first leg of the Queens' Tour (Pic: Ilgan Sports)

Royale Embrace and You Hyun Myung win last year’s Ttukseom Cup, the first leg of the Queens’ Tour (Pic: Ilgan Sports)

Traditionally in Korea, fillies race against colts, however, in order to improve the domestic breeding stock, the KRA has been trying over the past few years to improve the incentive to owners to import top quality fillies to race and then go on to the breeding shed.

The Queens’ Tour is part of that and offers tests over a variety of distances starting with the 7 furlongs of the Ttukseom Cup. Last year’s overall winner, US bred Gamdonguibada (Werblin) went on to beat the colts in the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes to become Champion Racehorse of Korea.

History will be made whatever happens on Sunday as, for the first time since racing moved to Gwacheon after the Seoul Olympics, 16 horses will line up in the race. This year, the upper limit for starters has been raised from 14 to 16 in Stakes races. Here’s a run down of all the runners and riders (Name [Pedigree] (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) – Jockey (Home Track)):

Ttukseom Cup (KOR G3) – Seoul Race Park – 1400M – March 17, 2013 (16:35)

1. Chowonuibyeol (USA) [Rockport Harbor – Arctic’s Angel (Artax)] (13/3/3/2) – Jo In Kwen (Seoul)
Little recent form to go on as the last race she completed was the final leg of last year’s Queens’ Tour and that didn’t go well. She does like this distance though and while not a favourite, can’t be completely discounted.

2. Dongteuja (KOR) [Broken Vow – Maremaid (Storm Bird)] (13/7/0/3) – Kanichiro Fujii (Busan)
The half-sister of one of Korea’s best ever racehorses, the two-time Grand Prix Stakes winner Dongbanui Gangja, Dongteuja won her first 6 races and looked to be a superstar. Since then, she has found things tougher but began 2013 with a win. In Joe Fujii she has the best jockey in the race on board and has to be shown respect in the betting.

3. Sangseung Geotap (USA) [Indian Charlie – Mirta (Theatrical)] (25/7/2/1) – Lim Sung Sil (Busan)
A Stakes winner in the KNN Cup last year but has struggled recently. The drop down to 1400M should suit but she is up against it here.

4. Ruby Queen (KOR) [Badge Of Silver – Rubyana (Rubiano)] (20/7/6/3) – Ham Wan Sik (Seoul)
Proven at the top level, if she is on her game, she will be a strong contender and should be involved at the business end of the race.

5. Kkakjaengi (USA) [Put It Back – Wild Dixie Gal (Wild Again)] (19/6/4/4) – Shin Hyoung Chul (Seoul)
It’s quite remarkable that this mare hasn’t won since 2011. Still, she has only been out of the money twice in her 19 races and she will be in the money here. Whether that is in first place is another matter but, against only fillies and over 7 furlongs, this multiple Stakes winner has a good chance.

6. Imperial Girl (USA) [Imperialsm – Wallena (Wallenda)] (26/3/2/4) – Choi Bum Hyun (Seoul)
Winner of the Selangor Turf Club Trophy in 2011, she struggled in the Queens’ Tour last year but was a surprisng 2nd to Tough Win on her 2013 debut. In that race, she beat a number of good horses, including Kkakjaengi, and therefore must be considered.

7. Blueband Mama (USA) [Purge – Meadow Bryte (Meadowlake)] (24/3/4/2) – Kim Ok Sung (Seoul)
A wildly inconsistant mare, her last win was at this distance and she could surprise. She’ll not be fancied to come close though.

8. Darani (USA) [Saarland – Dusty’s Legacy (Golden Missile)] (28/3/6/5) – Jo Chang Wook (Busan)
Stablemate of Sangseung Geotap and probably second string from that barn. However, she was second in the final leg of the Queens’ Tour last year and the step down to 1400M will be interesting. Don’t write her off.

9. Useung Touch (KOR) [Menifee – Jenny Tudor (Gulch)] (20/6/7/2) – Choi Si Dae (Busan)
2011 Korean Oaks winner and 2nd in the Korean Derby in the same year, she pulled off a remarkable second place in the Grand Prix Stakes last December. She will have a lot of supporters and would be a very popular winner.

10. Grand Teukgeup (KOR) [Menifee – Saratoga Campaign (Mt.Livermore)] (16/7/2/1) – Chae Gyu Jun (Busan)
Unusually for a horse with 16 races under her belt, she’s never been tried over 1400M. She has a class 1 win under her belt and has a chance here.

11. Dangdae Jeonseung (CAN) [Put It Back – Diamond Heirloom (Pembroke)] (14/4/1/1) – Lee Sang Hyeok (Seoul)
A rare Canadian bred in Korea, she has never lost over this distance. Form since reaching class 1 has not exactly been exceptional but it may not need to be to be in with a chance here.

12. Empire World (USA) [Empire Maker – Salty You (Salt Lake)] (18/5/2/3) – Kim Eu Soo (Busan)
A mare who has risen up the ranks very much under the radar, she has an impressive record of finishing inside the money. Could spring a surprise.

13. Indian Blue (USA) [Henny Hughes – Gamblers Passion (Prospector’s Gamble)] (6/3/2/1) – Cho Kyoung Ho (Seoul)
The only 3-year-old in the race, she won the Segye Ilbo Cup last month over course and distance and as a result, will likely be favourite.

14. Royale Embrace (USA) [Chapel Royal – Embracing Krissy (Kissin Kris)] (23/7/4/2) – You Hyun Myung (Busan)
Last year’s winner, 1400M is her favourite and she will relish being back on the gentler Seoul track. Consistent at the distance, she could pull off another surprise.

15. Seungnuiuihamseong (KOR) [Vicar – Hug And Kiss (Commander In Chief)] – Seo Seung Un (Seoul)
A consistent performer last year winning the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup before holding her own against the colts in the President’s Cup and finishing an in no way disgraceful 7th in the Grand Prix Stakes, she has every chance of doing well here.

16. Sangnyu (USA) [Broken Vow – Midtown Miss (Yes It’s True)] – Park Tae Jong (Seoul)
A class 1 winner and a filly who is getting better as she gets older. A real chance.

Gyongmaman’s verdict: Filly races in Korea are extremely difficult to handicap and therefore there is a big temptation to go for Indian Blue who did the business over course and distance last month. Sangnyu beat better class opposition though and Dongteuja has class. Dongteuja will be on Gyongmaman’s coupon with Kkakjaengi, Dangdae Jeonsung, Sangnyu and Royale Embrace also featuring.

Friday March 15

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday March 16

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday March 17

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:05

Weekend Preview

Classic Possibles On Show / Ghost Whisper Returns

It has been a very long winter. Three months ago this weekend, Gamdonguibada won the Grand Prix Stakeson a day at Seoul Race Park where the temperature dipped below -10C. It had already been cold for a month. Last weekend too, the temperature was below Freezing. Finally this week things have warmed up on the peninsula and we’re set for a cloudy but mild weekend of racing.

Spring?

Spring?

With just a month until the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown, we need to keep an eye out for possible contenders. At Busan on Friday, Peter Wolsley’s colt Magic Dancer (Forest Camp) with 2 wins from his 3 starts, goes over 1500 metres in race 9 while a race later another of Wolsley’s charges, Amell’s Atom (Menifee) takes on the Cup Mile distance.

Friday’s feature at Busan sees Harley (Menifee), one of the crop’s furthest along in terms of class, take his chance although only over 7 furlongs.

Up at Seoul, Brig (Menifee) may be more of a Derby contender but will be worth watching as he attempts 1800 metres in Sunday’s race 10.

The most valuable races at both Seoul and Busan are on Sunday and Busan’s sees a welcome return to action for the grey Ghost Whisper (Gotham City). Absent from the track since collapsing with heat exhaustion at the end of the Busan Metropolitan Stakes last July, Peter Wolsley’s one-time stable star will line-up in the 1800 metre feature under Darryll Holland.

He’s up against Yongduseong (Concept Win), the late-developing mare with 6 wins from 9 starts and Nobel Pokpung (Didyme), who was 2nd in last year’s Korean Derby

At Seoul, you’ll have to wait until the very last race on Sunday to see some class 1 action. And while it’s competitive enough, it probably won’t be worth sticking around and braving the crush on the subway.

Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday March 8

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday March 9

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday March 10

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:00

Holiday Weekend Racing Times

Here’s what’s happening when and where over the long weekend:

Friday March 1

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday March 2

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday March 3

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:00

Dangdae Bulpae Heads Strong Busan Ilbo Cup Field

Busan hosts its first Stakes race of the year this coming Sunday as nine horses go to post for the Busan Ilbo Cup.

Stakes races usually end up with Dangdae Bulpae and Jo Sung Gon in the winner's circle

Stakes races usually end up with Dangdae Bulpae and Jo Sung Gon in the winner’s circle

It has attracted a high quality field with last year’s winner Yeonseung Daero set to have his work cut out to retain the trophy as three-time President’s Cup winner Dangdae Bulpae the likely favourite. Here’s a full run down of the runners with name, pedigree, sex, age, weight (Starts/1st/2nd/3rd) and Jockey:

Busan Ilbo Cup – Busan Race Park – 1600M – Sunday February 24, 2013 – 16:15

1. Dangdae Bulpae (KOR) [Biwa Shinseiki – Indeed My Dear (Alydeed)] H 6 61kg (28/18/2/2) – Jo Sung Gon
One of the best Korean bred horses there has ever been. A three-time winner of the President’s Cup and the winner of more Stakes races than any other horse in Korean history. Against Korean bred opposition he should always be favourite at any distance between 1400 metres and 2000 metres and he will be here. The only consolation for his rivals is that he has never won when carrying more than 60kg and when he’s not on form, he’s really not on form. If he’s anything close to his best, he wins.

2. Dongseo Jeongbeol (KOR) [Vicar – Rendezvous Bay (Wonderloaf)] H 5 55.5kg (21/9/3/0) – Kanichiro (Joe) Fujii
Minister’s Cup winner in 2011, he struggled for form last year although he did finish 2nd in this race and picked up a win over the distance. He ended the year in good shape but will have to improve to win here but taking into weight and jockey, cannot be ruled out.

3. Road To Prince (KOR) [Pico Central – Ransom Bay (Red Ransom)] C 4 58kg (9/6/2/0) – Lim Sung Sil
A horse who has really crept up to class 1 under the radar. This will be his debut at this level and as such is a slightly unknown quantity. Seems to have plenty of improvement in him and will like the distance.

4. Gyeongbudaero (KOR) [Menifee – Princess Lanique (Cherokee Run)] C 4 58.5kg (16/5/4/5) – Choi Si Dae
Remarkably this colt hasn’t won since he took the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown, last April. The reason is that he only ever runs against the best. 3rd in the Derby, 2nd in the Owners’ Cup, 3rd in the Minister’s Cup, 3rd in the President’s Cup. He usually runs into just one or two who are faster. That could well be the same here.

5. Alpha Myeongjang (KOR) [Pico Central – Lend (Coronado’s Quest)] C 4 61kg (16/7/5/0) – You Hyun Myung
An out-and-out sprinter he was very exposed in the Minister’s Cup last year. If the race was 400 metres shorter, he’d be favourite. It’s not, so he is an outsider. The consitions of the race also land him with 61kg, the same as Dangdae Bulpae.

6. Born To Win (KOR) [Archer City Slew – Bayou Blues (Cure The Blues)] M 5 54.5kg (25/4/5/3) – Narazaki Kosuke
She may well be Born To Win but she doesn’t do it very often and he’ll not do it here either. A pair of class 2 victories last autumn propelled her into the elite class and she beat some useful horses when finishing second over 1900 metres last month but there’s not much in her favour here.

7. Yeonseung Daero (KOR) [Creek Cat – Sensationalkris (Cryptoclearance)] H 7 56.5kg (47/17/9/5) – Park Geum Man
A wonderfully game horse and the defending champion. Yeonseung Daero has been campaigned almost exclusively against foreign-bred horses, hence “only” having 17 wins to his name. Struggled for much of 2012 but was right back in form at the end of the year, he can never be written off. Stablemate of Gyeongbudaero.

8. Geumsangeo (KOR) [Volponi – Dactique’s Quest (Coronodo’s Quest)] M 5 52kg (20/3/5/3) – Chae Gyu Jun
A relative unknown who has risen to class 1 through placing more than winning. Has never faced a field of this quality before and while she does have a big weight advantage, it would be a surprise to see her involved at the business end of the race.

9. Powerful Korea (KOR) [Distilled – Bound To Score (Quick Score)] G 5 58kg (20/6/3/4) – Kim Dong Young
He spent his 2-year old season in the USA and even ran in 3 races in Florida but Powerful Korea has never really lived-up to his potential. He has just a solitary class 1 victory to his name and while he has undoubted ability, will need to find a lot of improvement to win here.

Gyongmaman’s verdict: Even taking into account the weight (which is too high – horses do not need to be carrying this kind of weight in a race that isn’t even a handicap but this is an argument for another day) it is difficult to look beyond Dangdae Bulpae for the win but there won’t be much value in that. Therefore, Gyongmaman will probably leave him alone in the betting and look for options involving Yeonseung Daero and Dongseo Jeongbeol both of whom are carrying reasonable weights, have good jockeys and are almost certain to run solid races.

Weekend Preview: The Big Boys (& Girls) Are Back

Dangdae Bulpae, Gyeongbudaero, Jigeum I Sungan, Feel So Good, Gamdonguibada, Lion Santa, My Key All in action!

A spectacular weekend of racing by Korean standards is in store this weekend as a whole host of the nation’s top horses will be on show at Seoul and Busan.

Will Yoo Byung Bok be greeting Dangdae Bulpae like this again on Sunday?

Will Yoo Byung Bok be greeting Dangdae Bulpae like this ahgain on Sunday?

The feature race of the weekend is the Busan Ilbo Cup, the first Stakes race of 2013 to be run at Busan. Defending champion Yeonseung Daero (Creek Cat) will be there but it will be a tough ask for him to retain his title with competition in the shape of three-time President’s Cup winner Dangdae Bulpae (Biwa Shinseiki) and KRA Cup Mile winner Gyeongbudaero (Menifee). We’ll have a full preview of the race, including a run-down of each entrant’s chances, up on the blog on Friday.

Friday is when things start off at Busan and there will be a couple of horses worth keeping an eye on. Being the half-brother of US champion Game On Dude, My Key (Macho Uno) has had plenty of expectations placed on him. He’s just started living up to them with two consecutive wins. He goes looking for his 3rd in race 8.

Also on Friday, US import Yonggwanguijehyun (Rockport Harbor) will look for his 6th straight victory when he goes in the finale over 1600M.

Grand Prix Stakes winner Gamdonguibada and Joe Fujii will be reunited on Sunday

Grand Prix Stakes winner Gamdonguibada and Joe Fujii will be reunited on Sunday

In addition to the Busan Ilbo Cup, Sunday at Busan sees a big class 1 handicap and it is in that race where current Grand Prix Stakes winner Gamdonguibada (Werblin) will make her 2013 debut. The 4-year-old filly won’t have things easy though as she’ll take on Lion Santa (Lion Heart) who returned to the track in style after a long lay-off last month.

He has a record of 11 wins from 15 starts and if he’s in the kind of form he’s capable of, he’ll be tough to beat. Throw the ever dependable Viva Ace (Macho Uno) into the mix as well and ou Grand Prix Champion faces a challenging start to her campaign.

His moment again...Jigeum I Sungan

His moment again…Jigeum I Sungan

Up at Seoul there is plenty to keep us occupied too. On Saturday, 2012 Korean Derby winner Jigeum I Sungan (Ingrandire) heads the feature race. He won his season debut last month and while he faces New Year Stakes victor Global Fusion (Menifee), as well as tough campaigners Singgereounachim (Exploit) and Geuma Champ (Vicar), he should be favourite.

On Sunday at Seoul, possibly the hottest property in Korean racing right now makes his second appearance. Feel So Good (Ft.Stockton) spent nearly 2 years in the US and was a winner at Calder in Florida last autumn before being brought back home. He won his Korean debut by 10 lengths and steps up in class and distance in race 7. He should romp it.

Check back tomorrow for the full handicap of Sunday’s Busan Ilbo Cup but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening when and where this weekend:

Friday February 22

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday February 23

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday February 24

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:05 including the Busan Ilbo Cup at 16:15

Weekend Preview – Segye Ilbo Cup

Stakes action returns to Seoul Race Park this weekend in the form of the Segye Ilbo Cup which offers a rare a rare chance for up-and-coming imported fillies and mares to compete for a big prize and a ticket into class 1 racing.

Kkakjaengi won this race 2 years ago and went on to win serious money later

Kkakjaengi won this race 2 years ago and went on to win serious money later

A full field of 14 will line up for the 1400M race including two three-year olds, Pureun Miso (Malibu Moon) who has 3 wins from 5 starts, and Indian Blue (Henny Hughes) who has 2 from 5 but has never been out of the placings.

Late developers are also represented as 4-year old January Queen (Happy Jazz Band), who has won her last 4 races, also takes her chance.

The Segye Ilbo Cup is the highlight of an 11 race card on Sunday at Seoul. There’s plenty going on at all the tracks this weekend though. Down at Busan, the most valuable race of the weekend is on Friday, however, Sunday does see US import Street Event (Street Boss), who won very handily last time to take his record to 4 wins from 6 starts, step up to class 2.

Finally, with Lunar New Year out-of-the-way and just 6 weeks to go until the first Classic of the season, the KRA Cup Mile, it’s time to start keeping a very close eye on the Korean bred three-year old crop. Sunday’s race 4 at Busan and race 7 at Seoul will be ones to keep an eye on

Here’s what’s happening where and when:

Friday February 15

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday February 16

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday February 17

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00 including the Segye Ilbo Cup at 16:35
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:05

Weekend Preview

It’s actually been a rather pleasant week weather-wise on the peninsula and the first weekend of February is set to be the first weekend of the year where the temperature is above 0C.

Here’s what’s happening where and when:

Friday February 1

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday February 2

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday February 3

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:00

Weekend Preview: Lion Santa Back at Busan, Ace Galloper Goes at Seoul

After a slightly warmer week. the temperature is set to plunge back way below zero as another weekend of racing gets underway in Korea.

Going to be very cold and bright again this weekend

Going to be very cold and bright again this weekend

Lion Santa (Lion Heart), who’s won 10 of his 14 starts to date returns to action at Busan on Sunday after a long spell out with injury.

The 5 year old will take on Yeonseung Daero (Creek Cat) and up and coming US import Wild Myeongun (D’Wildcat) among a full field of 14 in the first of co-feature races.

Up at Seoul the biggest name on show across the weekend is Ace Galloper (Chapel Royal). The 6 year-old, who looked to be coming back into form at the tail-end of last season, headlines Sunday’s feature race at the track. Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday January 25

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday January 26

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday January 27

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:00

Weekend Preview: Tough Win, Gyeongbudaero Set For Season Debuts

We didn’t have to wait too long for the big boys to come out the barn and onto the track this year as several of the country’s most well-known horses make their 2013 debuts this weekend.

Tough Win is back

Tough Win is back

Chief among them is Tough Win (Yonaguska). Now a 6-year old, he failed to successfully defend his Grand Prix Stakes title last month but should really be back to winning ways on Sunday at Seoul.

He will, however, be giving 4 kilos to Nolbu Manse (Simon Pure), who also disappointed in the Grand Prix but is a Stakes winner and did finish ahead of Tough Win in the KRA Cup Classic. What should be an entertaining race over 1800 metres is one of co-features at Seoul on Sunday.

The other co-feature sees a return to the track after 6 months of rest for former Champion Filly & Mare Top Point (Tom Cruiser). The 9-year-old will need to be close to her old best though to beat a competitive field of 14 in a handicap which, like its partner feature, will also be run over 1800 metres.

Taking on the foreigners: Gyeongbudaero (Pic: KRA)

Taking on the foreigners: Gyeongbudaero (Pic: KRA)

Down at Busan, Gyeongbudaero (Menifee) is the first of last year’s Classic winners to make his 4-year-old debut. The KRA Cup Mile winner will take on a field of imported horses including consistent winner Viva Ace (Macho Uno).

Owner Jang Kwang Hwa also owns Yeonseung Daero and took a very similar approach with him when he reached 4 years old.

Korean bred horses receive a weight allowance when running against imports and, while Yeonseung Daero has won nowhere near the number of races he would most likely have done had he just raced his compatriots, he has had more than his fair share of success and his career has been a delight to watch. Hopefully we are in for more of the same with Gyeongbudaero.

Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday January 11

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday January 12

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:20

Sunday January 13

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:00