Racing Reviews

First Winner for Wepner

Sky Star beats Sandeomi / Machine Gun misses at Seoul
On his fourth day of racing, South African jockey Martin Wepner rode his first Korean winner at Busan Race Park this afternoon. The thirty seven year old partnered Daehan Gangja to a two length victory in the day’s co-feature race, a class 2 handicap over 1600 metres for overseas bred horses.

Racing prominently throughout, Wepner hit the front on the five year old gelding as they entered the home straight and held off a determined challenge from Park Geum Man on the fast finishing outsider Sun Dance. Hot favourite, US import Heukjanggun was a disappointing fifth. For the Australian bred Daehan Gangja, it was a fourth career win. With Sun Dance finishing second, it made for a 1404.8 exacta.

On a good day for Wepner, the newcomer managed to land second place in the other feature race on outsider Homerun Yeowang. The pair finished just a length and a half behind Ikuyasu Kurakane on the highly rated Sky Star. Just as Impeccable did on Friday, Sky Star stepped up to class 2 for the first time, only at the Derby distance of nine furlongs. Kurakane kept Sky Star safely in the pack, making his move as they turned for home, overhauling favourite and fellow three year old Sandeomi in the straight and never looking in danger from there on despite Wepner’s late charge on five year old mare Homerun Yeowang.

Sandeomi had been four from six before today’s race but clearly didn’t appreciate the step up from a mile. Sky Star meanwhile, who had been inconsistent in previous outings, relished it. Although Impeccable has yet to go further than seven furlongs, with the first of the Triple Crown races being the KRA Cup Mile, there is plenty of time for that.

Also at Busan, it was another good day for the partnership of trainer Peter Wolsley and jockey Park Geum Man. After their double on Friday with Mentor and Impeccable, they repeated the feat today; pairing up to land wins on three year old filly Lady In Gala in race 3 and the gelding Running Man in race 4.

Up at Seoul Race Park, on what can only be described as a glorious spring day, Balhaejanggun upset favourite Machine Gun in a tight finish to the feature race. Third favourite Ugildongja led for much of the race but in a blanket finish it was Balhaejanggun who got his nose in front of Seonju Jangsu with Machine Gun in third.

* Jockey Kim Young Jin remains under observation in hospital following a heavy fall from Tobougg King in race 8 at Seoul. The horse was uninjured.

Class 2 (Foreign bred) – Busan Race Park – 1600M – Mar 8, 2009

1. Daehan Gangja (AUS) [West Quest – La Daze (Palace Music)] – Martin Wepner – 18.5
2. Sun Dance (JPN) [Mutafaweq – Ensayista (Maruzensky)] – Park Geum Man – 73.4
3. Sunday Punch (JPN) [Silent Hunter – Makenaide (Arcangues)] – Kim Kyoung Geun – 63.4
Distances: 2 lengths/Nose – 11 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Bally Brae is Back Where He Belongs

After four consecutive second placed finishes, 2007 Grand Prix champion Bally Brae stood tall once again at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. Nearly four years after his debut and two weeks after younger brother and stablemate Playing Politics suffered a career threatening injury, the seven year old recorded his fourteenth win in his twenty-seventh outing.

Sent off the marginal favourite in a field of eight, Bally Brae was quickest out of the stalls and led into the first corner with main danger Seoul Teukgeup right behind him. As they turned into the back straight, Yoo Sang Wan brought Pocketful of Money around the field to take up the running. The mare had extended her lead to five lengths as they turned for home but by the time they entered the home straight, the field was right behind her. Moon Se Young shook Bally Brae into action, passing Pocketful of Money with two furlongs to go. He then took the gelding over to the rail and the sprint was on. By now the only danger was Seoul Teukgeup and, under Moon Jung Kyun the big four year old found his run down the centre of the track.

But Bally Brae was not to be beaten today. Not by Seoul Teukgeup and not by Angus Empire who Yang Hee Jin brought roaring late down the outside. The line came in time, champion jockey Moon screaming as they crossed it as if they had won the Grand Prix all over again, not a Saturday afternoon handicap.

Bally Brae has a special place in Korean racing. His first jockey Hong Dae You is now his trainer and in his first big race win, the STC Trophy in 2006, he was ridden by the late Lim Dae Gyu who would also partner him in his first attempt at the Grand Prix on Christmas Eve that year. He would finish second, two places ahead of Subsidy with whom he was to enjoy some memorable battles over the course of the next year before defeating him to take the top prize in the 2007 Grand Prix. 2008 was tougher as he disappointed in the Owners’ Trophy and then Dongbanui Gangja took his Grand Prix crown. However, today Bally Brae emphatically showed he’s not done yet and Moon Se Young was joined by thousands of racegoers in delighting in his victory.

In other races on a gloriously sunny March day at Seoul Race Park, three year old Towering took his third win. A promising but inconsistent performer, Towering was always well placed and came through in the final furlong for a length and a half win. Meanwhile the confusingly named US import Thewon Thewon [Siphon – Marlee’s Rainbow (Geiger Counter)] broke his maiden in spectacular fashion scoring an eleven length domination of race 6.

Meanwhile race 5 resulted in a dead-heat between Dae Hit and Sky Center, with third placed Chonmyeong just a neck behind. Aside from being a dramatic finish, the dead-heat produced the amusing effect (unless you backed it) of favourite Sky Center paying less to win on the Pari-Mutuel than it did to show.

Racing returns to Seoul tomorrow with the first of eleven races going to post at 11:20. Busan gets underway at 12:40 and Jeju at 12:10. It’s going to be a dry and mild day so…Come Racing!

Class 1 (Foreign bred) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Mar 7, 2009

1. Bally Brae (USA) [Yarrow Brae – Political Bluff (Unaccounted For)] – Moon Se Young – 2.1
2. Seoul Teukgeup (USA) [Safely’s Mark – Bemmalou (Waquoit)] – Moon Jung Kyun – 2.7
3. Angus Empire (USA) [Lion Cavern – Clever Dorothy (Clever Trick)] – Yang Hee Jin – 5.2
Distances: 2.5 lengths/3 lengths – 8 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

Impeccable Passes Test

It was another step up in class and another easy win for Impeccable at Busan Race Park this afternoon. The three year old colt had won his previous three races by a combined thirty lengths and today Impeccable [Distilled – Bellebreezy (Foolish Pleasure)] had little trouble disposing of a class 2 field over seven furlongs to confirm his status as the most highly rated three year old on the peninsula.

Breaking from stall nine, the Park Geum Man ridden Impeccable settled in towards the back of the field in the early stages, improved round the turn and finally hit the front with two furlongs to go. Extending his stride in the stretch, he was eased down in the last fifty metres to a six length win.

It was a good day for jockey Park and trainer Peter Wolsley who have an exciting season to look forward to. Two races earlier they also combined to bring home promising filly Mentor [Testa Rossa – Crystal Decanter (Encosta De Lago)] for her fourth win from five races. In other three year old action, Geumbit Sesang [Duality – Shawnee Sunset (True Colors)] stepped up to a mile and got back to winning ways taking race 7 by two lengths for his third win in four.

In the first of two feature races, hot favourite Yeongung Manse took a two length win from Bulpae Yeoksa. In the second, punters kept faith with Golding but the big seven year old struggled again finishing sixth, while giving ten kilos to winner Gangsan Jijo who was scoring for the first time since 2007. Golding is now five races without a win.

Racing returns to Busan on Sunday when a six race card gets underway at 12:40. Tomorrow, the action is at Seoul (11:20) and Jeju (12:10).

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Dongbanui Gangja Too Good Again

Love Cat third / Brown Beauty shock win at Busan
Dongbanui Gangja further cemented his claim to be considered the top horse in training at Seoul as he breezed to victory in today’s big race. The four year old sat towards the back of the eleven strong field until they turned for home and Choi Beom Hyun didn’t have to ask twice for an effort as Dongbanui Gangja hit the front with a furlong to go and calmly claimed a three length win.

That the Grand Prix champion won wasn’t a surprise, but the identity of those horses closest to him certainly was. Bold Magic, an 82.6 outsider showed well throughout and though looked like tiring as they entered the home straight, found his second wind to hold on for second. Another outsider, Dankee’s Pal set the early pace and stayed on well for third. Second favourite, Haengun Daewang was fourth.

Another win takes Dongbanui Gangja to five in a row and ten from seventeen in total. A winner over every distance from seven furlongs to the maximum eleven and a half, it is difficult to imagine any other horse at Seoul being able to seriously challenge him at the moment.

Three year old filly Love Cat made the very early step up to class 2 racing in race 9. On a run of four straight wins she was sent off favorite and hit the front inside the final furlong. Ultimately she had to settle for finishing a narrowly beaten third behind four year olds Headline News and Shocking. Nevertheless, the performance was enough for Love Cat [Creek Cat – Love Cue (Curia Regis)] maintain her place among the Classic contenders.

At Busan Race Park, there was a shock in the feature race as outsider Brown Beauty, who had been towards the front for most of the 2000 metre race, hit the lead with a furlong to go and didn’t let go of it. The Japanese bred mare ran on to record a length’s victory over Admiral Reigart with Eodubong in third. Hot favourite Hwanggeumbit Taeyang never featured, finishing a disappointing sixth. For Brown Beauty [Jolie’s Halo – Big Paradise (Timber Country)] it was a first victory since September 2007.

Also at Busan, South African jockey Martin Wepner completed his second full race day. Across Friday and Sunday, Wepner had twelve rides, managing to place with three of them, not a bad return considering the extremely average quality of most of his mounts. He also managed to pick up a fine for careless riding in race 3 this afternoon.

Class 1 (Foreign Bred) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Mar 1, 2009

1. Dongbanui Gangja (USA) [Broken Vow – Maremaid (Storm Bird)] – Choi Beom Hyun – 1.2
2. Bold Magic (USA) [Magic Cat – Too Late To Quit (Fighting Fit)] – Moon Jung Kyun – 82.6
3. Dankee’s Pal (USA) [Max’s Pal – Dankee (Regal Intention)] – Lee Gi Hwoi – 39.1
Distances: 3 lengths/1 length – 11 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Secret Weapon Misses Again

Gang Gwon takes chance / Strong Hug makes it four from four
Secret Weapon was sent off as long odds-on favourite but once more failed to deliver. Instead, it was Gang Gwon who came through to take the honours in the main event at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. Having failed to stay the trip in the Grand Prix race in December and running second to Top Point in a handicap last month, Secret Weapon was well placed throughout and hit the front under Park Tae Jong with a furlong to go.

The six year old had nothing in the tank, however, and Gang Gwon, Highteen and Lucky Mountain all passed him, Gang Gwon taking it on the line by a length and a half. Another six year old, it was Gang Gwon’s first win since December 2007.

Earlier, on a day when punters digested the news that Playing Politics, who so emphatically dominated his first attempt at class 1 last week, may never race again (of which more on Monday), US bred three year old Strong Hug [Strong Hope – Lady Dora (Lord At War)] put in a powerful performance to record his fourth straight win. With Moon Se Young on board, the colt always looked comfortable and outsprinted Tiffanyuikkum, another horse stepping up to class 2 for the first time, by two lengths.

In other races, there was a long overdue win for Taklamakan, the five year old scoring for the first time for over a year in the valuable race 10. While Moon Se Young managed two wins, Shin Hyoung Cheol was jockey of the day, landing an early treble with victories on Jisang Gangja in race 1, outsider Hwallyeok Plus in race 2 and the promising American import Red Trip in race 5. Red Trip [Trippi – Queen’s Ransom (Red Ransom)] had placed in three of his four previous outings.

It was a spring-like day at the track today and on what was the mildest day of the year so far, a large Saturday crowd made it to the races with the infield park attracting families for the first time this year. Tomorrow is expected to be slightly cooler but should still be dry and bright for the eleven race card which gets underway at 11:10. Busan has six races beginning at 12:30 while Jeju has ten with a 12:30 start.

Class 1 (Korean Bred) – Seoul Race Park – 1900M – Feb 28, 2009

1. Gang Gwon [Curia Regis – Bad Smart (Baederwood)] – Yoo Sang Wan – 15.2
2. Highteen [Mujaazif – Alittle Nostalgia (Nostalgia)] – Lee Gi Hwoi – 37.2
3. Lucky Mountain [Silent Warrior – Myeonggaheui (Revere)] – Choi, Beom Hyun – 10.4
Distances: 1.75 lengths/Head – 11 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

Mexicali Blues Lands Segye Ilbo

Good Day beats Tu Won / Symphony Sonata tuning up nicely
Mexicali Blues outsprinted her rivals to take the honours in the 8th Segye Ilbo Cup for Fillies and Mares at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. In an open betting race, the four year old started as second favourite and sat comfortably in the pack as old stager Why A Duck under Lee Shin Young set the early pace in the seven furlong race. Kim Ok Sung, completing a successful weekend following his win on Playing Politics yesterday, asked Mexicali Blues for an effort as the entered the home straight and as Why A Duck faded, they hit the front with a furlong to go.

Favourite Meni Cherry looked well positioned but failed to find a run and in the end it was the fast finishing Hwanggeum Dwaeji who proved the biggest danger, coming from the back of the field to the front in the straight. The line came soon enough though for Mexicali Blues to record the biggest of her five career wins to date. Angel Pegasus came in third.

Mexicali Blues, who finished fifth in this race last year, is owned by the Segye Construction Company. Although it took her seven races to break her maiden, once she did she won three in a row but, one more win aside, had struggled since moving up to class 2 races last summer while racing against mostly male opposition. Aside from Meni Cherry, who finished fifth, another filly to disappoint was the three year old Jangjagang who never featured, eventually coming in twelth.

In other races, Tu Won made the step up to class 1 racing, but the three year old gelding ran straight into an in-form Good Day, who made light of the six kilos he was giving his younger rival and outsprinted him in the straight to record his fourteenth win in his twenty first start. Second favourite Triple Seven was a further length and a half back in fourth. While beaten, Tu Won did enough to show he belongs in this company and his progress will be interesting to watch as the year goes on.

Another who is being closely watched is Symphony Sonata. By E. Dubai and out of the Dixieland Band mare First Violin during her short stay in Korea (and thereby qualifying as Korean bred), the colt only made his debut at the age of three, getting beaten by the highly rated gelding Something New. Winning his next start easily, he found the going similarly favourable in race 7 this afternoon, his first outing as a four year old, going wire-to-wire for an eased-down five length win over seven opponents.

In other races, two three year olds broke their maidens, both sent off odds-on favorites. The filly Born Revival in race 2 and the colt Badasin in race 4. Won Jung Il was the only jockey to record a double, taking race 3 on D Day and race 11 on Daechun.

At Busan Race Park, Ikuyasu Kurakane followed up his treble on Friday with a double today including taking the feature race on Shane Bob. Japanese jockey Kurakane moved from Seoul to Busan following countryman Toshio Uchida’s decision to take an extended break back home and is coming close to matching the remarkable Uchida’s success. The stand out result of the day at Busan, however, was a shock ten length win by 19.1 shot Orion’s Gold in race 3. The American import had only placed once in seventeen previous starts but led from start to finish and was well out of sight of the field at the end of the six furlongs.

Meanwhile, it was a frustrating day on Jeju Island as thick fog forced the late cancellation of all the day’s races at Jeju Race Park.

Seye Ilbo Cup – Seoul Race Park – 1400M – Feb 22, 2009

1. Mexicali Blues (USA) [Golden Missile – Golden Made (Allen’s Prospect)] – Kim Ok Sung – 5.0
2. Hwanggeum Dwaeji (AUS) [Langfuhr – Proudest (Sir Tristram)] – Cho Kyoung Ho – 6.2
3. Angel Pegasus (USA) [Gold Case – Sahara Princess (Alphabet Soup)] – Ham Wan Sik – 5.7
Distances: 1.25 lengths/0.5 lengths – 14 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

It’s Easy Playing Politics

Subsidy achieves the Billion / Seven Card sharp again / First win for Chavez
Playing Politics confidently strode into the top tier of Korean racing at Seoul Race Park this afternoon, romping to a five length wire to wire win in his first class 1 outing. It was a race that was notable too for a horse at the other end of his career as Subsidy battled on to a valiant third place to take his lifetime earnings to over KRW 1 Billion.

With Kim Ok Sung replacing the suspended Choi Beom Hyun on board, Playing Politics leapt out of the gate and straight into the lead. In the back straight, Moon Se Young brought Subsidy from the back of the field to the front, and it was these two who headed the pack going into the home straight. Playing Politics had never gone 2000 metres before but any questions there may have been about the four year old’s staying power were quickly dismissed as he sprinted to the line for an easy win.

Behind him, just as he had on his last outing, Subsidy looked ready to tie up at the furlong pole but this time, Moon Se Young managed to coax a final effort from the nine year old and, although Yodongseong came past, he managed to hold off odds-on favourite Baekjeonmupae to take third and his place in Korean racing history.

Playing Politics now has six wins from seven starts, a fourth place in the YTN Cup the only blot on his record since his debut last May. He won’t have the luxury of his rivals giving five kilos to him again in a hurry but the manner of his victory suggests there is much more to come. It was perhaps fitting that Playing Politics as a half brother of Subsidy’s long time rival Bally Brae (through their dam, Political Bluff) should be involved as Subsidy finally achieved the Billion. Out of his thirty four starts, the now nine year old Subsidy has been in the money thirty one times and although he no longer goes off as favourite, is still more than capable of mixing it with the best.

One race earlier, another four year old, Seven Card, put in an impressive performance as he too went wire to wire to land his first win at class 2 beating Grandzif and Daehyo by four lengths on the line. Seven Card goes onto five wins from nine outings. Much earlier in the day, improving three year old filly Chowon Dream broke her maiden, landing race 3 by five lengths.

It was a good day for Santos Chavez, the American jockey finding himself in the Winner’s Circle for the first time in Korea as he guided third favourite Dongbang Baksa to victory in race 2. The 47 year old Chavez appears to have made a favourable impression on punters and with any luck, the win will get him some more rides.

Also on a day of milestones, Chun Chang Ki saddled his first runner as a trainer in race 6. The former jockey was granted a trainer’s license earlier this month after battling the cancer that forced him to quit race riding over a year ago. Crown Champ was sent off favourite but never figured in a race won by Mo Yang Seong, a 106.0 outsider.

Racing returns to Seoul tomorrow when it is Segye Ilbo Cup day. The first of eleven races goes to post at 11:10 and the big race is at 16:45. Both Busan and Jeju Race Parks go to post at 12:30.

Class 1 (Foreign bred) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Feb 21, 2009

1. Playing Politics (USA) [Outflanker – Political Bluff (Unaccounted For)] – Kim Ok Sung – 5.4
2. Yodongseong (USA) [Payne’s Bay – Copelan’s World (Copelan)] – Park Tae Jong – 6.8
3. Subsidy (USA) [Mr. Prospector – Foreign Aid (Danzig)] – Moon Se Young – 9.9
Distances: 5 lengths/0.5 lengths – 11 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

Gaeseon Janggun Answers the Doubters

Nice Choice steps up / Free Woody drifts to victory
Gaeseon Janggun went a long way to showing that his dismal performance in December’s Owner’s Cup was a one off by beginning his four year old season in style at Busan Race Park this afternoon. Last year’s champion three year old who followed up close seconds in the KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby by taking the final Triple Crown race, the Minister’s Cup at Seoul in October was sent off at surprisingly generous odds and made his usual come from behind charge as the field entered the home straight, going away from the field to win by five lengths.

Second favourite Yeongung Manse, who was among six horses who finished ahead of Gaeseon Janggun in the Owner’s Cup took second. Relatively lightly raced, the win was Gaeseon Janggun’s fifth from twelve starts and raises the prospect of future showdown with Areumdaun Jilju, the horse one year his senior and currently recognised as Busan’s best domestically bred runner.

Up at a chilly Seoul Race Park there were no class 1 races but nevertheless an interesting day’s action. Nice Choice, winner of December’s Herald Business and 2008’s top two year old made his three year old debut and confirmed his status as a Triple Crown front runner by successfully stepping up to the Derby distance of 1800 metres with a business like victory in race 9.

With Cho Kyoung Ho replacing the suspended Moon Se Young on board, Nice Choice [Lost Mountain – Betty’s Rhapsody (Don’t Hesitate)] sat in the middle of the field throughout before outclassing his rivals in a strong final furlong to take a third consecutive win. Closest to him on the line was three year old filly Crown Carla who will also be one to watch later in the year.

The day’s most valuable race at Seoul saw Free Woody drift all over the track on the run in but the favourite still managed to secure a one length victory from Wig. Sitting out for the final day of his suspension, Moon Se Young will have a satisfied observer as none of his rivals for the Champion Jockey title managed to land a winner. Indeed Choi Beom Hyun will now sit out next week after he picked up a two day ban.

Class 1 (Korean Bred) – Busan Race Park – 1800M – Feb 15, 2009

1. Gaeseon Janggun [Duality – Diamond Star (Dixieland Band)] – Ikuyasu Kurakane – 2.7
2. Yeongung Manse [Sharp Appeal – Saratogasplash (Wild Again)] – Jo Chang Wook – 3.7
3. Gangjaui Beopchik [Fortitude – Crispy (Tax Collection)] – Chae Gyu Jun – 8.2
Distances: 5 lengths/1 length – 11 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN

Ugildongja Takes Chance as Namchonuijijon Stalls

Gangho takes it easy / Aria wins again
Ugildongja made the most of Namchonuijijon’s recalcitrance to land the feature at Seoul Race Park this afternoon. Making his first appearance as a five year old, Namchonuijijon was backed into favourite but reared up in the stalls and then sat down. On being backed out of the gate, although there was no visible sign of injury, the vet ruled him out of the race as a precaution. With Namchonuijijon’s withdrawal, it was left to the horse who took turns with him playing second fiddle to J.S. Hold in 2007, Hwangnyongsaji, who took over as favourite.

When they finally got underway, Lucky Seven under Lee Sang Hyuk bolted into a five length lead and he would remain in front until deep into the home straight. Hwangnyongsaji had been well placed but failed to kick on when asked and it was Ugildongja under Ham Wan Sik who came down the rail to hit the front in the final furlong. He would hold on comfortably with Saebyeok Dongja and Natural Nine following in second and third. After three races out of the money, it’s a return to form for Ugildongja who takes his seventh career victory.

Earlier, Gangho made a walkover of race 5. The official margin of victory was eleven lengths but jockey Boo Min Ho never picked up his stick and began easing the colt around the furlong marker. Gangho [Peace Rules – Honor Delilah (Honor Grades)] goes two for two since his debut in January with a combined margin of twenty lengths. Although he has been in distinctly average company so far the American import looks to be a horse who could brighten up 2009.

Three year old filly Aria also took her second consecutive win but she had to battle to just edge out Guard Blue by a nose in race 7. Taking on and beating male horses, even at this stage of the season, has Aria as an Oaks possible come August. In other races, there was an rare dead heat as the judges failed to separate Haetbit Jangsa and Jebe at the end of race 8. Meanwhile, Baram Queen, fourth in last year’s Oaks landed race 9.

With Moon Se Young serving the first of a two day ban, Park Tae Jong revelled in champion’s absence, the veteran landing a treble. Cho Kyoung Ho also picked up two winners but Choi Beom Hyun only managed to take the last. Racing returns to Seoul tomorrow. There are also cards at both Busan and Jeju.

Class 1 (Korean Bred) – Seoul Race Park – 2000M – Feb 14, 2009

1. Ugildongja [Dixie Dot Com – May Roses (Incinderator)] – Ham Wan Sik – 9.5
2. Saebyeok Dongja [Fiercely – Cheongpa (The Rogers Four)] – Shin Hyoung Cheol – 7.0
3. Natural Nine [Revere – C. Bop (Alydar)] – Oh Kyoung Hoan – 2.8
Distances: 1 length/1.25 lengths – 11 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM SEOUL

Hardride Breezes Through the Wind

Hardride was back in the Winners circle for the first time since the Busan Metropolitan last November with a win over a host of well known names at a wet and blustery Busan Race Park this afternoon. Starting third favourite, the four year old sat just behind the leaders from the gate before outsprinting long time leader Florida Native in the final furlong to claim victory by a length. Outsider D M Merch snatched an unlikely third place on a day which was both by far the warmest, wettest and windiest of the the year so far.

Joint Favourites Dangdae Star and Crafty Louis both failed to feature at the business end of the race. King Kephalos and Angle Slam, both of them Stakes winners in 2008, finished fourth and fifth. For Hardride it was a sixth career win and his third over ten furlongs.

Racing returns to Busan on Sunday as the action moves to Seoul tomorrow.

Class 1 (Foreign Bred) – Busan Race Park – 2000M – Feb 9, 2009

1. Hardride (USA) [Colony Light – Lametta (Lomond)] – Lim Sung Sil – 6.3
2. Florida Native (USA) [Kissin Kris – Bindianna (Jose Binn)] – Yoo Hyun Myoung – 6.8
3. D M Merch (USA) [Langfuhr – Personally Yours (Personal Flag)] – Han Sang Gyu – 118.8

Distances: 1 length/Neck – 13 ran

FULL RESULTS FROM BUSAN