Clean Up Joy Wins The 2016 Grand Prix Stakes

Clean Up Joy downed Triple Nine and Power Blade to win the 2016 Korea Grand Prix Stakes at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

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Clean Up Joy & Ham Wan Sik win the 35th Grand Prix Stakes (Pic: KRA)

Two-time President’s Cup winner Triple Nine was sent off as the odds-on favourite with Clean Up Joy splitting him and his stablemate, Triple Crown winner Power Blade, in the betting market.

And while Beolmaui Kkum set the early pace he was surprisingly joined at the front right away by Clean Up Joy – generally a bad starter but here away very keenly from the outside gate. This was bad news for the field with the most proven stayer in the race already at the front.

Clean Up Joy looked strong all the way around. Just as in the Korea Cup, Beolmaui Kkum’s race was over early and it was left to Triple Nine and Power Blade to give chase in the home straight. However, Clean Up Joy was away. His five-length advantage at the top of the stretch was down to under two on the line but jockey Ham Wan Sik had time to ease up and pose for the cameras as they passed the line.

Triple Nine was 2nd, besting Power Blade for the third time in a row before they both head to Dubai later this week. Goliath Marine ran a huge race in 4th while the ever honest Heba came home an excellent 5th.

Clean Up Joy (Purge) is a 5-year-old gelding. He was  $14,000 purchase from the OBS June 2013 Two-Year-Old sales. The Grand Prix was his 11th win on his 21st career start and took him to career earnings of over US$1.25Million. It was a career highlught win for both trainer Song Moon Gil and jockey Ham Wan Sik.

It also saw the Grand Prix being won by a horse trained at Seoul for the first time since Tough Win’s triumph in 2011 and means that whatever happens, the traditional season-ending finale will be run in the capital once more next year.

Grand Prix (KOR G1) – Seoul Racecourse – 2300M – Dec 18, 2016

1. Clean Up Joy (USA) [Purge – Greta’s Joy (Joyeaux Danseur)] – Ham Wan Sik – 5.5. 1.7
2. Triple Nine (KOR) [Ecton Park – A Little Poke (Pleasant Tap)] – Seo Seung Un – 1.0
3. Power Blade (KOR) [Menifee – Cheonmacheong (Lost Mountain)] – Kim Yong Geun – 2.1
Distances: 1.25 lengths / 5 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Goliath Marine (KOR) 5. Heba (USA) 6. CLean Up Cheonha (USA) 7. Success Story (KOR) 8. Dongbang Daero (USA) 9. Unbeatable (USA) 10. Speace Port (USA) 11. Gumpo Sky (KOR) 12. Halla Chukje (USA) 13. Cheonjeok (USA) 14. Winner Red (USA) 15. Muhudaeje (USA) 16. Beolmaui Kkum (USA)

Grand Prix Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 18)

It’s The Grand Prix Stakes 2016. Full runner by runner guide to the big race is here. There are plenty of other races going on as well. English race cards are here. Notes on every overseas simulcast race are below:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 10:40

(10) GOLDEN STEP was a much improved 2nd on his second start and can make the breakthrough here under Djordje Perovic. Gate 10 isn’t idea though so many punters may look to (1) DEO MIREO BUCHEO, another one who has shown improvement across three prior starts. Among the others with experience, (8) GEOCHIN OREUM and (9) RAON ROCKY both have 3rd places to their name while of the two debut-makers, (5) HUNTER HAWK looks the best.

Selections: (10) Golden Step (1) Deo Mireo Bucheo (9) Raon Rocky (8) Geochin Oreum
Next Best: 5, 3
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 9, 10, 1, 8, 6
Start-200M: 9, 10, 1, 8, 6
200M-Finish: 2, 12, 10, 9, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 11:05

(10) DANBI comes in having been 4th in both her last two starts and despite the outside gate, really should be getting a career best finish here. She can win against underwhelming opposition. Main danger could come from the other side of the gate as (1) ENDLESS LOVE also finds herself in against weaker opposition than she’s used to and she too should be getting her best finish to date. (2) FIRE BALL has been one-paced but reliable so far and can find the money while other factors may be (5) UNAK HABIO and (9) LITTLE WING.

Selections: (10) Danbi (1) Endless Love (2) Fire Ball (5) Unak Habio
Next Best: 9, 6
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 2, 3, 5, 10
Start-200M: 10, 2, 3, 5, 8
200M-Finish: 4, 10, 2, 1, 5 (more…)

The Grand Prix Stakes 2016: Runner-By-Runner Preview

It’s the big one, it’s the Grand Prix Stakes! The Korea Cup may have burst on to the racing calendar this year usurping the trip of Derby, President’s Cup and Grand Prix as the nation’s most valuable race but for now, the Grand Prix remains the most prestigious and the one race that is known outside racing circles in Korea.

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Triple Nine won his 2nd President’s Cup last month and enters the Grand Prix as favourite (Pic: Alex Cairns/TheWinningPost)

Some of the most emotive names in Korea’s short racing history have won the race, the likes of Pogyeongseon, Ka Shock Do, Saegangja, Subsidy, Bally Brae, Dongbanui Gangja, Mister Park and Tough Win have won the race which is now in its 35th year. And we are guaranteed a new champion this year as for the first time in a decade, no previous winner will line up for the 2300M test at dusk on Sunday.

(Please take a moment out to look at our video preview – includes past races and trackwork of the leading contenders. More clicks mean we’ll have more chances to persuade the powers that be to approve a budget and resources to make more of these!)

Two-time President’s Cup winner Triple Nine will be the strong betting favourite but no favourite has won since 2009 when Dongbanui Gangja romped to his second Grand Prix. Could Triple Crown winner Power Blade top off an historic season or could Clean Up Joy claim victory for a Seoul trained horse for the first time since 2011. Or could another triumph, perhaps Success Story or Beolmaui Kkum? Or perhaps an outsider.

There is foreign interest in the race. Brian Dean saddles Muhudaeje, who will stay the distance but will be an outsider as will be Unbeatable who will be partnered by Djordje Perovic. However, both Yonekura Satoshi and Francisco Da Silva have chances on board Success Story and Beolmaui Kkum respectively.

Here are form comments for each runner:

The Grand Prix (KOR G1) – Seoul Racecourse (2300M) Sunday December 18, 2016 (16:40) – Weight for Age (4yo & Up: 57kg, F&M/3yo: 55kg)

1. Dongbang Daero (USA) C 4 [Curlin – Willa Joe (El Gran Senor)] 16/4/8/1
T: Oh Moon Sik, J: Choi Si Dae
Enters having beaten Beolmaui Kkum and Heba to win by 3 lengths over 1800M on October 30th. Late developer and no worse than 2nd in each of his last 9 starts. All wins at 1800M. First trip to Seoul. Usually settles in midfield.

2. Unbeatable (USA) H 6 [Eddington – Baxter Hall (Rahy)] 46/7/9/12
T: Lim Bong Chun, J: Djordje Perovic
1 win from 9 in 2016, he was a distant 2nd to Clean Up Joy in the KRA Cup Classic in October. 3rd try in this race, he was last in 2015 but does get the distance as proved when just beaten a neck by Cheonjeok last month.

3. Power Blade (KOR) C 3 [Menifee – Cheonmacheong (Lost Mountain)] 12/8/3/0
T: Kim Young Kwan, J: Kim Yong Geun
The Triple Crown winner has been bested by Triple Nine in both his last two visits to Seoul, the Korea Cup in September and November’s President’s Cup. Trainer felt tactics failed in the latter race. Distance is a question mark but he gets a good draw and may well lead. A chance.

4. Space Port (USA) H 6 [Pleasant Tap – Space City (Carson City)]
48/5/10/5
T: Woo Chang Ku, J: Jo Sung Gon
3 wins from 10 outings in 2016, most recently at 1800M in October. 4th behind Cheonjeok and Unbeatable at this distance a month ago. He will settle at the back of the field and can close strongly but others should be too strong.

5. Triple Nine (KOR) C 4 [Ecton Park – A Little Poke (Pleasant Tap)] 19/11/6/1
T: Kim Young Kwan, J: Seo Seung Un
He comes in having won his second consecutive President’s Cup, easily defeating Power Blade in the process. 4th in the race last year, he is a better horse this time around. Tactically versatile but usually handy, his two predecessors as President’s Cup winner both went on to win this race. He has a big chance to join them.

6. Gumpo Sky (KOR) H 5 [Vicar – Perfect Storm (Didyme)] 33/10/8/4
T: Kwon Sung Ju, J: Lee Yong Ho
2nd in last year’s race, he hasn’t raced since a hugely creditable 6th in the Korea Cup in September. A barrier trial well within himself last week offered few clues. Has been a front-runner throughout his career but opted out of setting the pace in the Cup and it paid dividends. Gets the distance.

7. Success Story (KOR) H 5 [Peace Rules – Power Pack (Lil’s Lad)] 22/10/8/4
T: Min Jang Gi, J: Yonekura Satoshi
A 2nd and three 3rd place finishes since returning from Dubai all in Stakes company. In those races, he’s been beaten by Triple Nine (three times), Power Blade and Beolmaui Kkum so he has form to overcome. Front-runner, he has won at 2000M but the distance is a question mark.

8. Goliath Marine (KOR) G 5 [Volponi – Queenie Bee (Geri)] 33/6/6/4
T: Choi Ki Hong, J: Lim Sung Sil
Flew home to finish 2nd to Heba over 2200M at Busan last month and this distance may suit but his only class 1 wins have come when getting a significant weight allowance. Very much a closer, he will aim to pick off horses in the closing stages.

9. Halla Chukje (USA) M 5 [Gottcha Gold – C D Player (Montbrook)] 32/5/6/2
T: Yu Jae Gil, J: Lee Hyeok
She was in good form in the first half of the year including a 2nd place in the Ttukseom Cup in June. Has struggled of late though and only beat one home in the Governor’s Cup at Busan last month. Usually likes to lead but surely won’t last long here.

10. Cheonjeok (USA) G 5 [Shakespeare – Celtic Song (Giant’s Causeway)] 39/4/5/6
T: Choi Bong Ju, J: Yoo Seung Wan
He comes in having made all to win over this distance on November 12th with Unbeatable, Muhudaeje and Space Port all behind him. That was though his first win since April 2015 and he will be hard pushed to repeat it here. He was though 3rd in the Cup Classic and can beat plenty.

11. Heba (USA) M 6 [Peace Rules – Sue’s Temper (Temperence Hill)] 47/10/7/4
T: Kwon Sung Ju, J: Lee Hyo Sik
7th in this race last year after a hard fought season that saw her crowned champion filly and mare. She finally returned to the winner’s circle last month, beating Goliath Marine over 2200M. Always an honest, reliable runner, she’s tactically versatile and not likely to be on the early speed here.

12. Beolmaui Kkum (USA) H 6 [Put It Back – Wild Dixie Gal (Wild Event)] 29/16/4/2
T: Baik Kwang Yeol, J: Francisco Da Silva
Having finally achieved a really big win when making all in the Mayor’s Cup at Busan in July, he comes in following a couple of disappointing performances. He went too fast too early in the Korea Cup and was then beaten by Dongbang Daaero when giving up weight and with an apprentice jockey aboard. Gate 12 may be a blessing in disguise here as it will be hard for him to lead.

13. Winner Red (USA) G 3 [Put It Back – Red Hot Jul (Essence Of Dubai)  11/5/3/0
T: Woo Chang Ku, J: Choi Bum Hyun
The up and comer of the field, he enters having won his last four races although he has never faced the kind of opposition there is here. The furthest distance he has run and won at is 1900M and while the draw isn’t ideal, he doesn’t need to lead. Next year he could be a real contender, this year he could be the wildcard.

14. Muhudaeje (USA) C 4 [Majestic Warrior – Crafty Queen (Crafty Prospector)] 19/4/3/2
T: Brian W. Dean, J: Jeong Jeong Hee
3 wins from 7 outings since moving to Brian Dean’s stable. He was 3rd at this distance behind Cheonjeok and Unbeatable last month but showed he can stay on well. That was his first try at class 1 so he is untried against the calibre of opposition he faces here and will be an outsider.

15. Clean Up Cheonha (USA) H 5 [El Corredor – Loh Collado (More Than Ready)] 21/8/6/2
T: Kim Dong Kyun, J: Jo In Kwen
5th in this race in 2015 but while he started this year with a January win, he hasn’t been able to push on and has only made three starts since. Showed signs of returning to form with 4th place in the KRA Cup Classic in October but still has plenty to find here.

16. Clean Up Joy (USA) G 5 [Purge – Greta’s Joy (Joyeux Danseur)] 20/10/6/1
T: Song Moon Gil, J: Ham Wan Sik
3rd in last year’s race. An awkward starter, the trainer has requested and received the outside gate. Seoul’s highest-rated horse he was a facile 7-length winner of the KRA Cup Classic in October. He was beaten by Beolmaui Kkum, Triple Nine and Success Story in the Busan Mayor’s Cup in July but at Seoul and at this distance, he’s a danger. He’ll be slowly away and look to improve in the back straight.

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 16)

It’s Grand Prix Stakes weekend. Full coverage of Sunday’s big race to follow but in the meantime, the weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with a ten–race card.

English race cards are here. Notes on races 4-7 below:

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:35 

Thomas Gillespie’s (7) GOLDEN TROPHY has shown good promise in two starts so far, most recently just beaten a head into 3rd over 1200M on November 18th and he is favoured to break through here. (10) JIBONG YEONGUNG Is yet to score in ten starts but has improved of late, registering his best finish so far of 2nd three weeks ago at this distance and can come close here as can (8) NAVARRA who narrowly beat him the time before. (2) WINNING ALL and (12) STYLISH are among others with claims.

Selection: (7) Golden Trophy (10) Jibong Yeongung (8) Navarra (2) Winning All
Next Best: 12, 4
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 2, 4
Start-200M: 4, 7, 2, 8, 12
200M-Finish: 5, 7, 6, 9, 8 (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 11)

It might be international day in Hong Kong but there’s plenty going on in Korea too. Some of the nations’s best sprinters are in action at Busan while at Seoul, there are several big handicaps throughout the afternoon.

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Macheon Bolt, seen here at the Korea Sprint, goes at Busan on Sunday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

English race cards are here. Notes on all overseas simulcast races are below (all of Seoul and races 2-6 at Busan):

Key
Rating: Top five official rated
Fast Starters: Expected to lead the race early
Start-200M: Fastest average time for the first 200M (up to 6 most recent races)
200M-Finish: Fastest average time for the final 200M (up to 6 most recent races)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:40

There are nine debut-makers among the field but we’ll go with one of the three with prior-racing experience to score here. That one is (6) WELLBEING JOY, 5th on debut in October behind a couple of decent ones and is difficult to oppose here. Among the debut-makers none looked quick in trials although (2) GLOBAL DREAM won his and so therefore makes it into second pick. (1) BOMBI’S KING, (5) JAKE and (12) NEON GAMDONGIYA looks next best of the first-timers while (11) TOKTOK YEOJANGGUN, also 5th on debut but considerably slower than Wellbeing Joy, can improve.

Selections: (6) Wellbeing Joy (2) Global Dream (1) Bombi’s King (11) Toktok Yeojanggun
Next Best: 12, 5, 3
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 2, 3, 5, 7
Start-200M: 3, 6, 11
200M-Finish: 6, 11, 3

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 11:05

With a 2nd and a 3rd from among three starts so far, (6) LIVE POWER looks set to be strong favourite to get it right at the fourth time of asking. He’s shown decent speed and good potential and should have too much for these. He beat (2) EORIN WANGJA last time out, the latter disappointing after back to back 3rd places but he gets another chance here and can go close. (9) BEST CAMP put in a positive performance on debut last month and can build on the 5th he achieved. (3) LOVELY DAY and (7) SAEROUN SEGYE look to have the most scope for improvement among the rest.

Selections: (6) Live Power (2) Eorin Wangja (9) Best Camp (3) Lovely Day
Next Best: 7, 1
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 2, 7, 9
Start-200M: 9, 2, 7, 6, 3
200M-Finish: 1, 3, 6, 7, 9

Click “more” for the rest…

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Miller’s Time: Kiwi Trainer Breaks Through At Busan

Dynamic Star was a winner on debut at Busan on Friday and the 2-year-old Hansen colt landed not only his own maiden win but also a Korean maiden win for New Zealand trainer David Miller.

Miller, who previously trained in Malaysia, has been steadily establishing his stable since arriving in Korea in early autumn and has now assembled a string of 21 horses.

Dynamic Star, a 5/1 shot having put in a reasonably impressive performance in a trial last month, was Miller’s 14th runner and under jockey Chae Sang Hyun, he pulled clear in the closing stages to win by a comfortable three-lengths on the line. Hopefully it will be the first of many.

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David Miller

Miller brings the total number of overseas trainers at Busan to four. Finishing 2nd to Dynamic Star on Friday was Agnes, trained by Thomas Gillespie.

The Irish trainer is almost 18 months into his time at Busan and is quietly moving into the upper echelons of the Busan ranks. He currently lies 10th in the 2016 standings and is sure to rise. Gillespie was 2nd only to Kim Young Kwan in prize-money won in November courtesy of Ms. Margaux giving him his first group winner in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup.

Already firmly established in the top tier of trainers at Busan is Bart Rice. Although the South African’s stable has had a quiet couple of months, he remains in 5th place in the Championship and maintains a very impressive strike-rate. Also in the top tier of course, is Peter Wolsley. The Australian saddled his 400th Korean winner last week and will finish in 2nd place in the Championship.

Three overseas trainers in the top ten can only be good for the overall standard at Busan. Can David Miller make it four in 2017?

 

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 9)

Racing gets underway for the weekend at Busan on Friday where there are ten races from 11:30 to 18:00. Six jockeys are in town from Seoul for a Jockey Challenge which will be held across races 7 to 9.

Busan Racecourse

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

English race cards are here. See below for notes on overseas simulcast races 4-10:

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:35

(5) KING ICE was just beaten a nose last start on November 11th on his first try at this distance and will surely get it right today. He’ll be strong favourite to close from off the pace to win here. Two horses behind him that day are next best. A further length and a half back in 3rd was (1) MAPLE CLASSIC and he’ll be close once more. Setting the pace in that race was (3) HIGH SPEC – he’ll do the same here and can continue to improve. (6) KING CODE and (7) SUPER SONIC look the best of a limited rest.

Selections: (5) King Ice (1) Maple Classic (3) High Spec (7) Super Sonic
Next Best: 6, 4
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 3, 8, 9
Start-200M: 8, 3, 10, 4, 7
200M-Finish: 5, 6, 1, 7, 2

Race 5: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 14:20 

Peter Wolsley celebrated his 400th winner in Korea last weekend and if he didn’t get it earlier today, the Aussie trainer could well get number 401 here. He saddles (7) PERLIN, a handy winner on debut just two weeks who at class and distance who has every chance of making all here. (6) DAMYANG HWANHO led for much of her own debut last month only to be passed late on. She finished 3rd and can continue her development here. There are two debut-makers and of the pair, Thomas Gillespie’s (11) GREAT KING, a $30K purchase from Ocala this June, looks the best having won his trial last month. Jockey booking inspires confidence too. Those three stand-out with (1) VALID EFFORT and (12) WORLD TOWER perhaps most likely among the others.

Selections: (7) Perlin (6) Damyang Hwanho (11) Great King (12) World Tower
Next Best: 1, 8, 3
Rating: 7, 6
Fast Starters: 1, 6, 7, 9
Start-200M: 1, 7, 6, 9, 8
200M-Finish: 7, 6, 12, 10, 2

Race 6: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:05

Nice and tricky race this. (6) GALILEE HO was a surprise winner on debut, beating King Ice, who we saw in race 4, by a nose over 1300M. He is up in both class and distance here and could well follow up. He will be steadily away and look to finish strongly. (1) BEAUTIFUL and (5) ROYAL RUBY were both 5th on their respective first tries at this class last time out and may appreciate the extra distance here while (12) SONATILLED is up in class following a nice-looking maiden win at 1300M three weeks ago and can be respected here. Another up in class is (9) BULBIT JEONSA and he’ll likely be setting the early pace along with (3) CAPE MAGIC. The latter is one of only four to have raced at this distance before and he can look to match the 2nd he achieved over it in October.

Selections: (6) Galielee Ho (5) Royal Ruby (1) Beautiful (9) Bulbit Jeonsa
Next Best: 3, 12, 11, 7
Rating: 3=5, 6, 9=12
Fast Starters: 3, 9, 11
Start-200M: 7, 2, 3, 11, 6
200M-Finish: 6, 12, 1, 2, 6

Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 15:50

The first of three “Jockey Challenge” races so six Seoul based jockeys are taking part. It’s not exactly a field of the highest quality so (4) SAEBYEOK BADA has as good a chance as any of getting his maiden victory. (9) PHILIP AND GIRAFFE is yet to win in four but won a trial in double quick time a couple of weeks ago and will be backed here. (11) CHEOGANG YONGSA hasn’t raced since a 2nd place over this distance in August having picked up an injury but looks nicely in here while (5) GIMAKHIN SEONTAEK and (7) SEUNGJEONPILSA are others to consider.

Selections: (4) Saebyeok Bada (11) Choegang Yongsa (9) Philip And Giraffe (7) Seungjeonpilsa
Next Best: 5, 8
Rating: 5, 9=11, 2, 4
Fast Starters: 3, 7, 9, 12
Start-200M: 9, 12, 7, 4, 3
200M-Finish: 5, 10, 4, 11, 2

Race 8: Class 4 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 16:35 

The second race of the jockey challenge brings together a slightly better field and the up in class (10) KKOKDAEGI, a two-length winner over 1300M last month has every chance of overcoming the outside gate to score again. (6) PHANTOM BLADE comes in following a slightly disappointing 4th over the distance just two weeks ago and can make amends here from the early speed while (2) ARIKKARI can improve on 6th in a tough race from a couple of weeks ago. (1) FLAMENCO returns for the first time since June and looked sharp in a trial last month while (5) GANGJA DAERO, also disappointing in that race behind Phantom Blade two weeks ago, gets another chance here.

Selections: (10) Kkokdaegi (6) Phantom Blade (1) Flamenco (2) Arikkari
Next Best: 5, 9
Rating: 8, 1, 5, 3, 6
Fast Starters: 3, 6, 9
Start-200M: 3, 9, 6, 2, 8
200M-Finish: 5, 4, 8, 2, 10

Race 9: Class 3 / 1400M / Allowance / KRW 72 Million / 17:30

The final race of the jockey challenge and (2) GOLD LINE beat (1) TURBO ENERGY and the pair raced 2nd and 3rd over class and distance on October 30th and both have claims here with Gold Line being the pick. (3) GIGA SPEED has been no worse than 3rd in each of his last seven outings and there’s no reason why that run can’t continue here. (6) CHOEGANG ADVENTURE is up in class following back to back wins and while this is a stiffer test, he should be competitive as should (12) JANGGUNEUIHUYE, also up in class following a good win over 1400M last month.

Selections: (2) Gold Line (1) Turbo Energy (3) Giga Speed (12) Jangguneuihuye
Next Best: 6, 8, 4
Rating: 5=8, 11, 1, 4
Fast Starters: 6, 7, 8, 9
Start-200M: 7, 6, 3, 12, 11
200M-Finish: 8, 2, 1, 3, 11
Race 10: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:00

Back to the handicaps to finish with and (7) VANJEFE was 2nd on debut three weeks ago but finished well and with an extra half furlong to play with today, looks to be the one to beat. (8) ITSAGAINT WARRIOR was an encouraging 4th on his own debut last month and can build on that here. Those two are imports while locally-bred (2) DAESTAR is up in class having won two of his first four outings at the locally restricted classes 5 & 6. He’s a winner at this distance and will be dangerous here. Among the others, the experienced pair of (9) WONDERFULCHEONGHAE and (11) FIRST MOVER look capable of finding the money in this company.

Selections: (7) Vanjefe (2) Daestar (8) Itsagaint Warrior (9) Wonderfulcheonghae
Next Best: 11, 6
Rating: 6, 11, 1=4, 7
Fast Starters: 7, 9
Start-200M: 7, 3, 9, 5, 2
200M-Finish: 8, 2, 6, 5, 7

Chairman Hyun Myung-Kwan Leaves The Korea Racing Authority

So farewell then, Hyun Myung Kwan. On Wednesday afternoon at Seoul Racecourse, a ceremony was held for the outgoing Chairman of the Korea Racing Authority who has retired following the completion of his three-year term.

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Hyun Myung Kwan (R) at his retirement ceremony at Seoul Racecourse on Wednesday

All heads of what are known as “public” companies in Korea are appointed by the government and it is almost unheard of for a public company Chairman to serve for longer than three years but until recently the 75-year-old Chairman Hyun looked likely to be an exception and receive an extension. However, that was before the “influence peddling” affair which is currently convulsing Korean politics, business and society.

The significance of the extraordinary ongoing scandal across Korea cannot be overstated (read this and this for the best overview in English). 2.3 Million people demonstrated on the streets of Seoul last Saturday evening demanding the resignation of President Park Geun Hye and her government has effectively ground to a halt with an impeachment vote due on Friday.

This past Tuesday, the Chairmen of Korea’s biggest companies; Samsung, Hyundai, SK, LG, Lotte, Hanjin, CJ and Hanwha, were questioned by lawmakers live on national television over donations to “foundations” set up by the President’s alleged confidante Choi Soon Sil, who is currently under arrest, suspected of essentially running government policy and decision making.

Chung Yoo Ra, the horse loving daughter of Choi Soon Sil was a member of the Korean dressage team that won Gold at the 2014 Asia Games and it is now alleged that much of the machinery of state – both public and private – was mobilized towards getting her into that position and then going forward, to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Along with Samsung Electronics and others, the KRA is one of the organisations alleged to have granted Chung special favors to this end. Accordingly, the Presidential office instructed the KRA to recruit a new Chairman at the end of Hyun’s term.

Hyun’s tenure has been eventful and in terms of international affairs, arguably more progress has been made under him than under any previous Chairman. He green-lighted first the Asia Challenge Cup and then the ambitious staging of the Korea Cup and Sprint earlier this year. Domestically, as a former Samsung executive, he focused on improving customer service. This involved the re-branding of the Off-Track betting centers into “Cultural Centers” with 100% assigned seating, the introduction of the mobile betting app and the upgrading of the on-course facilities including the construction of the massive 128-metre long “multi-vision” screen. Foreign ownership of racehorses has been allowed and the maximum ceiling price on imported horses abolished.

The recruitment process for a new Chairman is underway. The final say over the appointment lies with with the President of South Korea.

Holland To Return / Havlik, Sanna Licensed / Belli Extended / Park Geum Man Retires

There’s news on the overseas jockey front with three new additions to the licensed ranks from the start of this month.

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Darryll Holland was most recently in Korea to ride in the Keeneland Korea Cup in September (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Darryll Holland, who enjoyed a successful spell at Busan a couple of years ago, returns to the south coast on a four-month initial license. He’ll be joined by Italian Mirko Sanna. Meanwhile at Seoul, Jan Havlik is set to join. The Slovakian is set to renew his rivalry with Djordje Perovic with whom he has reportedly regularly competed with across Europe. Meanwhile, Marcello Belli has come to the end of his initial four months and has been renewed for a further six:

Name/Nationality Racecourse Type License Period
Jan Havlik (Slovakia) Seoul New
(4 months)		 2016/12/01
– 2017/03/31
Mirko Sanna (Italy) Busan New
(4 months)		 2016/12/01
– 2017/03/31
Darryll Holland (UK) Busan New
(4 months)		 2016/12/01
– 2017/03/31
Marcello Belli (Italy) Seoul Extension
(6 months)		 2016/12/01
– 2017/05/31

Jan Havlik (42) turned professional in 1994 and in addition to his native Slovakia, has ridden in many countries across Europe for in excess of 300 career winners. He will be based at Seoul Racecourse.

Mirko Sanna (32) is from Italy. He began race riding in 2000 and has been primarily based in Italy but has also ridden in Malaysia, Australia, Germany, France and most recently in Canada. He will ride at Busan Racecourse.

Darryll Holland (44) is a former Champion Apprentice in the United Kingdom. He returns to Busan Racecourse where he rode 66 winners from 350 mounts between February 2013 and June 2014.

Marcello Belli (44) has been licensed at Seoul Racecourse since August 2016. The Italian jockey has ridden 4 winners from 88 mounts and his license has been extended for a further 6 months.

In other jockey news, 2010 Korean Derby winning jockey Park Geum Man has opted to turn in his license. The 37-year-old debuted when Busan Racecourse opened in 2005 and rode 270 winners from just under 3000 career rides. His license expired at the end of November and he didn’t request a renewal.

Cheonnyeon Daero

Cheonnyeon Daero and Park Geum Man win the 2010 Derby (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Park had a relatively slow start to his career but under the guidance of trainer Peter Wolsley developed into, for a time, one of the top riders at Busan. His biggest win came on Cheonnyeon Daero in the 2010 Derby and he would go on to win the Busan Owners’ Cup on the same horse later that year. His other two group race wins both came in 2012 on Gyeongbudaero in the 2012 KRA Cup Mile and on Yapung in the Breeders’ Cup.

Final Boss Is Korea’s 2016 Juvenile Champion

Final Boss swept home late to land the Breeders’ Cup at Seoul today and be crowned Champion Korean Juvenile of 2016. The Menifee colt followed up his victory in October’s Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup to land a rare triumph for Seoul-trained horses over their Busan rivals. 

Busan’s Europa, winner of the Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup and from the Kim Young Kwan training machine, was sent off as the slight odds-on favourite but while he was well placed entering the home straight, he was able to offer little in the closing stages, coming home in 4th.

Indeed the early pace-setters, Evergreen Tree, Circle Dancer, Athena Thunder and Ice Marine, would all fade as the closers took command late on. Second favourite Daeho Sidae struck the front a furlong out and was joined by the Yonekura Satoshi ridden Muhan Yeoljeong. But on the outside, just as he did in the Mayor’s Cup, Final Boss pounced, jockey Choi Bum Hyun timing things perfectly to go past in sight of the line and take the glory by just under a length.

Breeders’ Cup (KOR G2) – Seoul Racecourse – 1400M – December 4, 2016

1. Final Boss (KOR) [Menifee – Sinsok Dolpa (Lindo Shaver)] – Choi Bum Hyun – 12.4, 3.5
2. Daeho Sidae (KOR) [Simon Pure – Ara Mireu (Didyme)] – Choi Si Dae – 2.2
3. Muhan Yeoljeong (KOR) [Officer – Ridemetothemoon (Malibu Moon)] – Yonekura Satoshi – 4.0
Distances: 0.75 lengths / 1 length
Also Ran: 4. Wonder Wall 5. Europa 6. Indian King 7. Kkumui Silhyeon 8. Meni Bracing 9. Rocket Queen 10. Illyu Star 11. Sunkissed 12. Ice Marine 13. Lead Money 14. Circle Dancer 15. Evergreen Tree 16. Athena Thunder

Final Boss moves on to four wins from six outings and heads into the New Year as Seoul’s big hope to land one of the three-year-old Classics. It’s great news for Seoul, however, it will be tempered by the fact that the next five place-getters were all from Busan.

More to follow…