If there is to be a Triple Crown winner in 2026, his name is Funny Wild. Under Seo Seung-un, the Bayern colt ground down Hwang Geum Eo Jjang to win the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) – the “Korean 2000 Guineas” – by a length. Hwang Geum Eo Jang rallied for 2nd while 130/1 long shot Chocolate came home 3rd.
A full field of sixteen with eight each trained at Seoul and Busan lined up with Live Star sent off as a narrow 3.0 favourite ahead of Funny Wild at 3.2. Live Star though was slightly slow away, bumping with Amazing One, and while ridden up to just behind the leaders on the turn, never at any time looked a winner.
Flutter, under Kim Hyo-jung, was the best out of the gate and led until the home turn, but he too was quickly beaten, while third in the market Hey Brother was never a factor. Aboard Funny Wild, Seo Seung-un was able to stalk the pace before making his move, taking over the lead from Hwang Geum Eo Jang just over a furlong from home and while the latter did come back at him, the margin on the line was a full length.
“The stable prepared (Funny Wild) very well” winning jockey Seo Seung-un told KRBC. “In fact, I didn’t ride him in work at all, my only job was to ride him in the race and fortunately it went as we expected. I am pleased I was able to do my part as my results in the other races this weekend haven’t been great.” Seo rode two winners at Busan on Friday.
The victory was jockey Seo’s second in the race with his first coming back in 2014 on Cheongnyongbisang, who remains one of just three Seoul-trained horses to win the opening Classic of the season.
As for trainer Choi Ki-hong, it was his tenth Group race win but his first by a horse not called Winner’s Man.
Funny Wild is by Bayern and out of Funny Sunny (by Sharp Humor). He was bred by his owner Choi Sang-il at Great Hill Farm which stands Bayern. After the presentation Choi Sang-il spoke with KRBC about Funny Wild and his sire:
“The horse was in top condition and Seo Seung-un read the flow of the race very well. This horse has always been fit and healthy since he was young, and he has always been nice looking and eaten well.
“Actually, Bayern’s conception rate has been quite low, and he hasn’t been a significant producer so I am very happy that we have a good one in Funny Wild that can help keep Bayern’s line going. The Wild Again (Bayern’s sire Offlee Wild was by Wild Again) line is getting rarer and rarer worldwide so I think Bayern can help preserve it.”
The Triple Crown Series moves on to the big one, the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul on Sunday May 3rd. Next week, the fillies get their chance as the Triple Tiara Series kicks off with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed) – the “Korean 1000 Guines” at Busan next Sunday.
Horse Racing in Korea 