The White Light Shines Again At Seoul
It’s almost three years to the day since Baekgwang roared up the Seoul Race Park home straight reeling in horse after horse to land the 2006 Minister’s Cup. That win completed a hat-trick of big race wins and was enough to see him crowned Champion Three Year Old of that year. Having started his 2007 campaign in much the same fashion, injury struck and has plagued him ever since.

Off the track for nearly a year, he returned in the 2008 Ttukseom Cup and ran a strong second only to return to his barn with severely damaged knee ligaments. His career looked over once and for all. However, a year of stem cell therapy and recuperation on Jeju Island saw Baekgwang make a second comeback fifteen months later in this July’s SBS Cup, the race his little sister Baekpa had won in his absence last year. Baekgwang ran fourth, keeping his record of always finishing in the money intact but most importantly, he came out of the race in fine condition.

A second place to Gi Ra Seong followed last month but today, the rehabilitation was complete. Running seventh of nine as they entered the straight, Baekgwang – the “White Light” – ran them all down to finally reclaim his rightful place in the winner’s circle. Yes he was favourite in a slightly sub-par class 1 field and yes, big danger Hwangnyongsaji was a late scratching but in winning, Baekgwang brought a smile to the face of even the most hardened punter.

Baekgwang will almost certainly be pointed next at November’s President’s Cup – a race that, had he stayed injury free, he would no doubt have been in the mix for over the past two years. While the winner of the last two editions, Myeongmun Gamun, is now out of the picture, the likes of Gi Ra Seong and Secret Weapon remain very much on the prowl and Baekgwang will be an outsider.

Whatever happens next will happen. Punters paid him the ultimate compliment by yelling his name rather than his number as he entered the stretch this afternoon – an honour that only Subsidy, Bally Brae and Baekpa have received recently. His place in Korean racing history is already assured and the best thing about it is that against all odds, it’s not over yet.

Shaka is on hand with video of the race.

Class 1 Handicap – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Oct 17, 2009

1. Baekgwang (KOR) [The Groom Is Red – Grey Crest (Gold Crest)] – Park Tae Jong – 1.6, 1.0
2. Free Woody (KOR) [Social Charter – Choeseonbong (Imperial Prince)] – Lee Jun Cheol – 3.4
3. Ugildongja (KOR) [Dixie Dot Com – May Roses (Incinderator)] – Moon Jung Kyun – 1.4
Distances: 0.5 lengths/0.5 lengths – 9 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

Busan Round-up
Somewhat lost on Minister’s Cup Day at Seoul was that Busan also put on an interesting card on Sunday afternoon. Highlight was the Gyeongnam Shinmun Cup, one of the track’s most valuable filly races of the year.

Open to fillies in the second of the five tiers of racing at Busan, it was a chance for a number of three year olds to make the step up to the top level. In the end, it was Suryeohan, fifth in the Oaks who took the honours. Under Chae Gyu Jun, the third favourite hitting the front three furlongs out and had enough in reserve to hold off the very late challenge from relative outsider Viva Galileo by a comfortable two and a half lengths.

On board Suryeohan was new girl Hitomi Miyashita while Eiki Nishimrura made it two Japanese riders in the first three, bringing home Golden Egg in third. With Martin Wepner taking top honours at Seoul, it was another good day for foreign jockeys in Korea.

Gyeongnam Shinmun – Busan Race Park – 1400M – Sun Oct 11, 2009

1. Suryeohan (KOR) [Commendable – Diamond Star (Dixieland Band)] – Chae Gyu Jun – 4.3, 1.3
2. Viva Galileo (KOR) [Galileo – Jessie’s Lass (Danehill)] – Hitomi Miyashita – 3.4
3. Golden Egg (KOR) [Duality – Bo Sang (Baptize)] – Eiki Nishimura – 10.8
Distances: 2.5 lengths/1.75 lengths – 14 ran

Sangseung Ilro’s Triple Crown dream ends / Wepner victorious
Sangseung Ilro battled all the way to the line in a brave bid to become the first filly in history to land the Korean Triple Crown at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. But it was stablemate and runner-up in both the first two legs, Namdo Jeap, who finally had his day in front of a crowd of 60,000 assembled for the Minister’s Cup.

Given a terrific ride by Martin Wepner, Namdo Jeap was always in control of the ten furlong race – the final Classic of the season. After taking an early lead from Ilgan Sports winner Khanui Jeguk, Namdo Jeap had favourite Nice Choice on his tail on the rail as they turned for home while Jo Sung Gon took Sangseung Ilro wide to launch her challenge.

The challenge was both thrilling and valiant. With a furlong to go, it looked as though Sangseung Ilro could write her name into history as the gap closed. However, with Nice Choice also gunning into top gear, Wepner coaxed Namdo Jeap into a final effort and the colt responded magnificently to hold off his rivals by a neck on the line.

For South African jockey Wepner, it was not only the biggest win of his Korean career, but also repayment for trainer Kim Young Kwan who brought him back from the brink of quitting Korea after the Derby in May and for the owner who put him back on Namdo Jeap.

In second place, Nice Choice showed his class re-affirmed his status as Seoul’s top three year old. That an eigth successive Classic has gone the way of a Busan based horse, however, must set alarm bells ringing on the capital’s backstretch. The other two Seoul horses, Khanui Jeguk and Love Cat came home fifth and sixth respectively. Nice Choice will most likely be nominated for the season ending Grand Prix and hopefully his connections will accept.

Sangseung Ilro went off third favourite and finished third. Despite bandaging on her legs, she appeared in fine form and were the race a little shorter, she may have got there. Winning two of the three legs of the Triple Crown and coming third in the final one is still a fine achievement. What comes next for her is questionable. Punters will hope her immediate future is on the track.

Namdo Jeap and Martin Wepner Pose after The Minister's Cup

Yeonseung Daero finished half a length behind Sangseung Ilro in fourth but Oaks winner Pangpang found herself stuck in ninth. Overall Busan horses made up three of the first four but the top six contained three from each track.

Today was Namdo Jeap’s day. In Ft. Stockton, he shares a sire with J.S. Hold. Today he ensured that his half brother remains the sole holder of the Korean Triple Crown.

Minister of FAFF Cup (G.II) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Oct. 11, 2009

1. Namdo Jeap (KOR) [Ft. Stockton – Wandering Katie (Tejano)] – Martin Wepner – 16.0, 2.9
2. Nice Choice (KOR) [Lost Mountain – Betty’s Rhapsody (Don’t Hesitate)] – Cho Kyoung Ho – 1.3
3. Sangseung Ilro (KOR) [Concept Win – Ms. Whiskey (Whiskey Wisdom)] – Jo Sung Gon – 1.7
Distances: Neck/0.75 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Yeonseung Daero; 5. Khanui Jeguk; 6. Love Cat; 7. Sky Star; 8. Isidae Gangja; 9. Pangpang; 10. Conqueror; 11. Tamna Hero

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Tomorrow, eleven three year olds will race in the final leg of the Korean Triple Crown. This afternoon, at Seoul Race Park, Dongbanui Gangja sent out a message that whoever wins will have a long way to go before they have any possibility of being recognised as the best horse in Korea.

Last time he ran, Dongbanui Gangja left it late to come through and claim his eighth straight win. It didn’t matter – the best horses don’t necessarily win by big margins, they just win. Today, however, he won with an awful lot to spare.

Sprint king Gamadongja set his usual early pace while Dongbanui Gangja sat right at the back of the field. Choi Beom Hyun moved the favourite up during the back straight and let him go as they turned for home. The four year old was quickly in front and, with Choi motionless in the saddle, cruised away from the field to record an effortless victory. Free Hugs trailed in eleven lengths back with Gamadongja following in third.

It’s now nine in a row for Dongbanui Gangja. With the Grand Prix now two months away, the only question at the moment seems to be just how far Dongbanui Gangja will win by.

Not a contender this year, but perhaps in future years is Great True. The two year old made his third appearance this afternoon and, like his previous two outings, it ended in victory. Stepping up in both class and distance, Great True [Yes It’s True – Gigi’s Magic (Allen’s Prospect)] led from gate to wire but had to work to hold off the fast finishing Daejayeon.

Daejayeon’s jockey was Lee Sang Hyeok, the apprentice earlier surviving a hard fall when in race 4, the impressive two year old colt Yyongwang Jjang sadly broke down when leading just 150 metres from the line in its debut race.

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

Japanese one-two on good day for foreign jocks at Busan
On the day Hitomi Miyashita became the first foreign female jockey to take up a full time license in Korea, it was her Japanese compatriot, Eiki Nishimura who denied her the honour of landing the day’s feature race at Busan Race Park.

Riding favourite Yongdu Baram, Miyashita was unable to catch Nishimura who guided second favourite Glory Champ to a two and a half length win. As well as a Japanese one-two, both horses are trained by Kim Young Gwan, the trainer who has supported overseas jockeys more than any other.

Miyashita had earlier made her debut in race 6 with a strong ride on mildy fancied Chowolgeum, taking the three year old to second place. Two other rides didn’t trouble the placings but overall it was a successful first day on the job for Hitomi.

With the track’s leading overseas rider Martin Wepner up in Seoul for Sunday’s Minister’s Cup, Nishimura took another win earlier in the day with a win on Theres No Reason in race 5. Rounding out a great day for the foreign riders at the track, Stephan Swanepoel took an unlikely win on 100/1 outsider Stormy Run in race 1. Swanepoel went on to add two third place finishes to his haul.

The action moves to Seoul and Jeju Race Parks on Saturday before all three tracks host cards on Sunday.

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Triple Crown on the line at Seoul / Gyeongnam Shinmun at Busan
Racing took last weekend off, but it’s back with a vengeance. And it’s as big as it gets in Korean racing. At 5pm on Sunday, eleven three year olds will go to post at Seoul Race Park for the Minster Of Agriculture’s Cup and one of them, Sangseung Ilro, is running for the Korean Triple Crown.

She hasn’t run since she was unexpectedly beaten in the Oaks, having already won the KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby. That reverse will be all but forgotton about, however, if she comes out on top on Sunday.

It won’t be easy and we’ll have a full preview of the big race over the next couple of days but with the Gyeongnam Shinmun Cup at Busan, as well as Dongbanui Gangja – Seoul’s top ranked horse, making an appearance on Saturday, it promises to be an exciiting weekend.

Busan Race Park

Friday October 9: 10 races, first race 13:00, last 17:30
Sunday October 11: 6 races, first race 12:40, last 16:30

Seoul Race Park

Saturday October 10: 12 races, first post 11:20, last 17:40
Sunday October 11: 11 races, first post 11:20, last 18:10

Jeju Race Park (Pony racing)

Saturday October 10: 9 races, first post 12:10, last 17:10
Sunday October 11: 9 races, first post 12:10, last 17:10

Top Point put in a commanding performance to cruise to victory in the KRA Cup Classic at Seoul Race Park this afternoon.

Sent off the odds-on favourite, Park Tae Jong took the five year old into the lead straight out of the gate and there was any question of her relinquishing it as she pulled away from the field in the home straight. The winning distance on the line was five lengths, with plenty in hand.

Behind her there was something of a shock as 50/1 outsider Angel Pegasus came wide with a late run to grab second ahead of 2007 winner Pocketful Of Money. Serendipper placed fourth and YTN Cup winner Soseono took the last of the moneying positions in fifth.

For Top Point, third in this race last year, it was a validation of her position as top rated filly or mare on the peninsula and should guarantee her ticket to the season ending Grand Prix in December. She was last in that race last year, a rare setback in a career which now boasts fourteen wins from twenty two starts.

KRA Cup Classic (KOR. GIII) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Sep 27, 2009

1. Top Point (KOR) [Tom Cruiser – Mooncello (Northern Baby)] – Park Tae Jong – 1.6, 1.2
2. Angel Pegasus (USA) [Gold Case – Sahara Princess (Alphabet Soup)] – Bang Choon Sik – 10.9
3. Pocketful Of Money (USA) [Running Stag – Ms. Deep Pockets (Buckaroo)] – Oh Kyoung Hoan – 3.9
Distances: 5 lengths/3 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Serendipper; 5. Soseono; 6. Air Kat; 7. Kkumchaja; 8. Hwanggeum Dwaeji; 9. Badajebi; 10. Princess Thumb; 11. Ginny’s Delight; 12. Mexicali Blues; 13. Gate Way

With Championship leader Cho Kyoung Ho sidelined due to a trackwork injury sustained this morning, Park Tae Jong was dominant. Aside from Top Point, he added three more winners including on Symphony Sonata [E. Dubai – First Violin (Dixieland Band)] – the four year old winning his fifth race from nine and his first at class 2 level.

Down at Busan, King Kephalos upset Dongbang Geona to take the feature Mile Handicap, the more valuable of two races at the Gyeongnam track this afternoon sponsored by the Japan Bloodstock Breeders’ Association (JBBA).

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Juveniles stake their claim
Ace Galloper has been very much in the shadow of Seonbongbulpae and Nothern Ace, having been beaten ten lengths by the latter in their track debuts. Despite coming out in his second race and winning by practically a furlong, he was still thought vulnerable as he stepped up to six and a half furlongs as the only two year old in a field of twelve at Seoul Race Park this afternoon.

He doesn’t look vulnerable any more. Not only did he win with plenty to spare, he took nearly a second off the Korean record for the distance – and was only a tenth of a second outside the track record held by the ill-fated Playing Politics.

On the filly side of things, there was plenty of interest in the two year old ranks as well as Oh My Sun took her third consecutive win, this time against older fillies and mares.

The feature race of the afternoon went the way of the favourite as Huimang Energy saw off Natural Nine for a two and a half length win. It was jockey Cho Kyoung Ho’s second in as many races after bringing home hot favourite Blue Pin by seven lengths in race 9. The three year old – ineligible for the classics by virtue of being Korean born but not Korean bred – now has six wins from twelve and looks ready for the top tier of racing.

* We mentioned earlier tis week that winning on Enertein last Sunday may have been what jockey Lee Ae Li needed to get back in form after a recent barren spell. Indeed, it seems to have been the case as she nursed 25/1 outsider Believe Win to victory in race 8 this afternoon when the colt looked done for in the home straight after setting a strong early pace.

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

Favourites go down across the peninsula but Seonbeongbulpae marches on

Dangdaeteukgeup was a comfortable five length winner of the Dong-a Ilbo Cup at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. The four year old started as second favourite and was quickly in control of the seven furlong race. Under Choi Beom Hyun, she never looked vulnerable, pulling away in the final furlong to win from Hallasinbi in second and favourite Feel It Now in third.

At Busan there were two big races. The Gold Circle Trophy had looked like being a straight fight between three year olds KO Punch and Top Grade and so it proved to be. And fittingly for the South Africa sponsored race, it was South African jockey Martin Wepner who guided Top Grade to victory by a length and a half from favourite KO Punch. Top Grade now moves onto five victories from seven starts.

While the favourites missed out in the Dong-a and GC, the ultimate winners were at least well-fancied. Not so in the Macau Jockey Club Special. Hot favourite Sweet Summertime left it too late to get seriously involved at the business end of the race and it was left to 60-1 outsider Rolling On Strong to take the win. Fellow long shot Namchee rounded out a 1000-1 exacta in a tight finish with third favorite Haegeoreum leading the rest of the pack home.

On a cool autumn afternoon at Seoul, there was one other appearance of note. Along with Nothern Ace, Seonbeongbulpae is one of the two most highly regarded two year olds at the track. Today he made his second appearance and breezed through six and a half furlongs within half a second of the track record without jockey Jo In Kwen having to move.

If Nothern Ace and Seonbeongbulpae both make it unscathed to November, then the Herald Business – the nation’s top two year old race – is going to be one to savour.

Meanwhile on Jeju Island the ponies had one of their biggest races of the year in the form of the 1700 metre KRA Jeju Cup. In what was a very open betting race, 9-1 shot Mangpouikkum took a half length win for female jock Na Yu Na. Favourite Minsokchum came in third.

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Grey runs well but beaten by Gi Ra Seong
Gi Ra Seong may have won, but most eyes were on Baekgwang in the feature race at Seoul this afternoon. The great grey was making his second start since his year on the sidelines while undergoing the stem cell treatment that has rescued his career.

While connections are still being cautious, today’s second place in a tough handicap was an improvement on his fourth in last month’s SBS Cup. By the time Park Tae Jong unleashed the now six year old’s familiar stretch run down the middle of the track, Gi Ra Seong was already out of sight. For a moment, however, there was a glimpse of the Baekgwang of three years ago as he ate into the lead and even found time to revert to his old habit of drifting toward the rail.

The distance on the line though, while only a length and a half, owed more to Gi Ra Seong easing in the final few strides. The five year old is now on three straight wins and has eleven from twenty in all.

Baekgwang, Park Tae Jong up, parades

For Baekgwang, if he has come through this race unscathed and if he continues to improve in training, a shot at the President’s Cup remains an option.

While Baekgwang’s comeback continued, there were others beginning theirs today. Another grey, New Heart, won her first and only race on her debut last November. Sustaining an injury shortly afetrwards that would keep her off the track for ten months, today she finally made her first appearance as a three year old. She duly showed punters what they’ve missed by claiming race 5 with a strong late run.

Also returning today after a lengthy spell out was jockey Lee Shin Young. Korea’s top female jock didn’t take long to make an impact, winning race 7 on Sinhwacheoreom. Tomorrow she will be re-united with former regular mount Kkumcheoreom as the pair go for the Dong-a Ilbo Cup.

Class 1 Handicap (Domestic) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Sep 19, 2009

1. Gi Ra Seong (KOR) [Precise End – Dauntless Cat (Mountain Cat)] – Choi Beom Hyun – 2.0, 1.1,
2. Baekgwang (KOR) [The Groom Is Red – Grey Crest (Gold Crest)] – Park Tae Jong – 1.2
3. Wontagui Gisa (KOR) [Fiercely – Grove Lady (Varick)] – Moon Jung Kyun 1.7
Distances: 1.5 lengths/3 lengths – 8 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL