Global Hit

GLOBAL HIT SEEKS STAYER SWEEP IN LUNCHTIME TV SHOWDOWN

Global Hit can further establish himself as the top horse in Korea if he wins the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) and in doing so complete a clean sweep of the Stayer Series in front of the KBS N Sports cameras at Busan Racecourse early on Sunday afternoon. See here for race-by-race preview of all races at Seoul and Busan.

Gloabl Hit beat Speed Young and (out of shot) Tuhonui Banseok in the YTN (Pic: KRA)

Having already taken out the first two legs of the Stayer Series, the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3) and the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3), both at Seoul, Global Hit, who was crowned champion three-year-old last year having taken out two legs of the Triple Crown, will be the favourite to score again over a similar field.

By To Honor And Serve, GLOBAL HIT is a winner of seven of his twelve races and was runner-up to Winner’s Man in both the President’s Cup and Grand Prix Stakes to round out his 2023 campaign. He is two for two this season with his wins in the opening two legs of the Stayer Series, both times overcoming a wide draw to settle back and prove too strong. He has a furlong less to play with this time and while he races at what is ostensibly his home track of Busan for the first time in more than a year, he can be too good again.

He has thirteen rivals to contend with. TUHONUI BANSEOK won this race and the YTN Cup last year, both times defeating Winner’s Man to be crowned the Series champion. Although his form tailed off slightly towards the end of 2023, the Bart Rice trainee was a fair 5th in the Grand Prix Stakes before returning to run 3rd in the Herald Business and then 2nd in the YTN, only going down by a nose to Global Hit in the latter. He draws very nicely to be on pace, and he can be a big danger. Seo Seung-un climbs back on.

NUT PLAY registered a 4th and two 3rd place finishes in the Triple Crown Series last year before scooping up a Listed prize in the autumn. A comfortable class 1 winner over this distance in February, he ran a close 2nd to Global Hit in the Herald Business, before running 4th in the YTN Cup. Both times he has a got a bit far back but with the drop back to 1800M as well as an excellent draw, he may be ridden closer this time and can have a say in the finish.

Former Champion Juvenile SPEED YOUNG was highly fancied in the first two legs of last year’s Triple Crown but didn’t live up to expectations. He redeemed himself somewhat with a close 2nd to Global Hit – his stablemate – in the final leg, the Minister’s Cup and then a 3rd place behind Winner’s Man and Global Hit in the President’s Cup. With a 5th and a 3rd from the first two legs of the Stayer Series, he should be a contender again.

GALAXY ROAD and ALIVE STAR bookend the barrier in gates one and fourteen respectively. Both are in the best form of their careers at age six and may have a say. Veteran SIMJANGUI GODONG was well back in the first two races in the series but can’t be ruled out of a return to form.

The Busan Mayor’s Cup is race 3 on the 7-race program at Busan with a local post time of 13:35. Admission to the racecourse is free and the race will be shown live in Korea on the SBS N Sports Channel.

Selections(11) Global Hit (6) Tuhonui Banseok (5) Nut Play (1) Galaxy Road
Next Best3, 14
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 11

Busan Mayor’s Cup Sunday- Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 26)

The Stayer Series heads to Busan on Sunday when Global Hit will seek to complete a clean sweep by winning the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2). Unusually the big race is race 3 on the card with a post time of 1.35pm, in order to accommodate live TV coverage (SBS N Sports). There are 6 races in Busan on Sunday from 11:25 to 17:00 as well as 10 in Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Global Hit won the Herald Business Cup (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive opener. (6) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG enters off his best finish to date at start number five on April 28th when racing handy over this distance and finishing 2nd, well beaten by a good winner, but ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He can sit behind the speed here and can go one better. (5) NAOL INDY raced once without distinction last summer and then didn’t reappear until this April. Now gelded, he has a 4th and a 2nd in two stars back, most recently leading almost the entire way around over this distance on May 5th. Third-up he can be peaking and can win. (1) SAMAEBEONJJEOK enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes and comes up to this distance for the first time having drawn well. (3) EURACHACHA and (9) CHROMITE others in the frame.

Selections(6) Geumak Myeongjang (5) Naol Indy (1) Samaebeonjjeok (3) Eurachacha
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden, and (7) CROQUIS will be the favourite. She enters off a 3rd and a 4th in her latest two appearances, both over 1300M and both times having sat handy and run on. The slight step up in trip can suit and, in this company, she should be on pace and is the one to beat. (2) P N S GAJA enters off an improved 4th place at start number three on April 21st when ridden on pace for the first time. She draws well for similar tactics to be employed today and she can be competitive. (11) ARNOLD QUEEN does have experience at this distance. She ran 5th behind Croquis at 1300M on March 30th on what was her first start since January and while she has had another eight weeks off, she can get closer here. (8) NEXTLEVEL and (9) CLAIR GOLD are others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(7) Croquis (2) P N S Gaja (11) Arnold Queen (8) Nextlevel
Next Best9, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maiden fillies in the south coast opener. It’s fair to say that she has mixed her form across her five starts so far but (11) BLISS MARINE has a 3rd and a 2nd to her name at 1400M and 1600M. She likes to race on pace and while she has drawn wide, her pattern so far suggests she can run well today, and she won’t need to improve much on those precious showings to win here. (5) NEOM CITY enters off an improved 4th place over this distance at start number five on April 28th. In doing so, she recorded the fastest time among any of these for the distance and a similar effort will see her in the finish again. (1) JUMBO ROCKET also enters off her best finish to date, which came over 1400M on April 5th. She was ridden much further forward than in previous starts and she is nicely drawn for a repat here. (9) RUN TO QUEEN and (6) WE LIKE MONEY others in the hunt

Selections(11) Bliss Marine (5) Neom City (1) Jumbo Rocket (9) Run To Queen
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) CAMP DAVID comes in off a much-improved 2nd at start number three on April 20th when handy throughout. He comes up to 1700M for the first time and from a good draw should be on pace, and he can win here. (8) P N S OHOH ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on May 11th, settling just behind the speed and running through the line pleasingly enough. He should have derived benefit from that run and with some natural improvement can challenge a bit closer today. (9) MAGIC PRINCE has a 5th and a 4th from two starts so far, most recently at 1400M. His running style suggests that two turns can suit, and he should be challenging late. (2) MARUBYEOL and (3) MEOTJIN CHOEGANG are others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Camp David (8) P N S Ohoh (9) Magic Prince (2) Marubyeol
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive maiden. (1) THUNDER GUY ran 4th on debut in March and followed up with a 2nd place over 1300M on April 21st when on pace throughout and only going down very narrowly to the longest shot on the board. He draws very well here, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and he can go one better today. (9) AWESOME SUNRISE enters off a career-best 2nd place at start number nine on April 26th when coming from off the pace over this distance. In doing so, she recorded the fastest time among those here who have tackled the 1400M and she shapes as the main danger. There is one debut maker. (5) OASIS BLUE took two trials to qualify but he certainly caught the eye on the second of them, running 2nd in a quick time. The trainer/jockey combination will not go unnoticed either and he will have backers first-up. (11) WORLD MAID CAT and (4) GLOBAL SPURT are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(1) Thunder Guy (9) Awesome Sunrise (5) Oasis Blue (11) World Maid Cat
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) NARAOLA will be the warm favourite here. He got his win over 1400M three starts back and come sin having run 3rd on his first try at this distance on April 28th when overcoming gate eleven to find a handy position. He enters under a similar weight but draws a much better gate and will take some beating. (5) HEUIMANGUI CHANGA has plenty of experience of this class and distance with a 2nd place on his record over it. He likes to settle back and run on, and he can be a danger. (8) THORUI MANGCHI has placed at this class over 1400M, and he comes up to two turns for the first time. He has shown he can be versatile in his running style and the distance may well suit. (7) FEDERAL KING and (2) ANYANG CHEONDUNG ae the other logical money chances.

Selections(1) Naraola (5) Heuimangui Changa (8) Thorui Mangchi (7) Federal King
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 3: Class Open (1800M) Weight for Age / Busan Mayor’s Cup (KOR G2) / KRW 700 Million

The final leg of the Stayer Series sees (11) GLOBAL HIT looking to complete a clean sweep having already taken out the Herald Business and the YTN Cups at Seoul, both over 2000M. He is steadily asserting himself as the best horse in Korea and he will be hot favourite to prevail again. Should he not be at his best then (6) TUHONUI BANSEOK is an ever-present danger. He was 3rd in the Herald and 2nd in the YTN, and he is the defending champion. He draws nicely to be on pace and Global Hit has a furlong less to get past him here than he did in Seoul. (5) NUT PLAY was 2nd in the Herald and 4th in the YTN. If he can take advantage of the favourable draw here to get in front of Global Hit and make the favourite come past him instead of the other way around, he can be firmly in the finish. (1) GALAXY ROAD hasn’t really managed to mix it in with the elite but enters in very good form and Franco staying on gives him a chance from off the pace. (3) SPEED YOUNG is a stablemate of Global Hit and was 5th in the Herald and 3rd in the YTN. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he has a big win in him eventually and from a good draw, it is not impossible it could be today.

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GLOBAL HIT DOWNS TUHONUI BANSEOK IN LAST GASP YTN SUCCESS

Tuhonui Banseok put up a valiant defence of his title, but Global Hit ultimately wrested it away from him with a last gasp drive to win the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Stayer Series, in the very final stride at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Global Hit pursues Tuhonui Banseok in sight of the line (Pic: KRA)

Global Hit had been on the wrong side of a photo-finish when going down to Winner’s Man in last December’s Grand Prix, but with Winner’s Man out of the picture, and Global Hit having won the first leg of the series, the Herald Business Trophy (2000M KOR-G3) in March, the four-year-old was sent off a warm favourite to once again defy a wide draw and  take out the Stayer second leg.

Tuhonui Banseok set off meaning business. Under Chae Sang-hyun the now five-year-old, who won the race by a remarkable eleven-lengths a year ago, went straight to the lead alongside 100/1 outsider Bolt Man. Kim Hye-sun aboard Global Hit meanwhile used the same tactics she did in the Herald Business and rode patiently, setting up camp in midfield and gradually improving as the field made their way down the back.

Pic: KRA

It was a brave effort from Tuhonui Banseok and while Global Hit inexorably raised the pressure in the sprint, he would not go down without a fight and continued to hold the younger horse at bay. They crossed the line together, but momentum saw Global Hit strike the front just when it mattered, the margin a nose. Speed Young, a stablemate of Global Hit, was a length back in 3rd.

Pre-race the market consensus was that the biggest danger was Nut Play, who got within a length of Global Hit in the Herald Business and drew a better gate this time around. Just like the Herald Business, jockey Jo Jae-ro opted to follow favourite. They would not get on terms and ultimately finished 4th. Wonderful Slew, the only filly or mare in the race, was a game 5th.

The diminutive Global Hit [To Honor And Serve – Tammy’s Victress (by Yankee Victor)] may not look like a racehorse, but he is fast and gutsy and he moves on to seven wins from twelve starts. For jockey Kim Hye-sun, as well as trainer Bang Dong-suk, he is proving to be a career-defining horse. He is owned by Kim Joon-hyun, who also had Minister’s Cup winner Hit Yegam in Winner’s Man’s year.

Jockey Kim will have plenty of time to reflect on the win as she picked up a four-meeting ban for the way she came off the fence to the detriment of Wonderful Slew on the 3rd corner.

The final leg of the Stayer Series is the slightly shorter Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) on the south coast on Sunday May 26. Tuhonui Banseok is the defending champion there too having lifted himself up off the canvas to go past Winner’s Man. He will need all that and more if he is to prevent Global Hit from carrying off a clean sweep.

Next week, the focus moves to the filly and mare division and the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. Jeulgeounyeojeong heads the field with Raon The Spurt looking the main danger.

Can Nut Play Overturn Form on Global Hit in YTN Cup?

The Stayers’ Series reaches its second stage on Sunday when a field of fifteen line up for the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

Global Hit remains the one to beat in the YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)

After running 2nd to Winner’s Man in both the President’s Cup and Grand Prix Stakes, last year’s Korean Derby winner Global Hit asserted his claim to be the new King of Korean racing with victory in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul last month.

Despite Winner’s Man being out of the picture for the foreseeable future – and possibly to be retired – the margin of victory was less than a length as another four-year-old, Nut Play was bearing down on Global Hit. The pair head the line up for the YTN and a reversal in form shouldn’t be ruled out.

At his best though, (14) GLOBAL HIT may prove hard to beat. He draws the same wide gate as he did in the Herald Business and Kim Hye-sun on board will be very aware of the threat that Nut Play – and others – can pose. Expect tactics to be adjusted accordingly.

(3) NUT PLAY also featured on the Triple Crown trail last year, running 4th in the KRA Cup Mile, before 3rd place finishes in both the Korean Derby and the Minister’s Cup. He picked up a Listed win last September over 1800M and began this year with a victory at class 1 level before his Herald Business runner-up. He comes into a much better gate this time.

Although they will be at the top of the market, this is no two-horse race. (7) TUHONUI BANSEOK is the defending champion, having demolished a field including Winner’s Man by an astonishing eleven-lengths. He made his season re-appearance in the Herald Business, running a creditable 3rd. A big run is possible here.

The wildcard is a stablemate of Tuhonui Banseok’s. In fact, it isn’t initially obvious which is the second string from the Bart Rice barn as (2) JEONGMUN COBIT enters in sensational form, having won his latest four at distances between 1400M and 2000M, posting some very quick times and for the most part, giving away weight. This is a step into the unknown competition wise, but he may well step up.

(10) SPEED YOUNG was champion juvenile in 2022 and has consistently threatened to break through at the very top level, including a strong 2nd behind Global Hit in the Minister’s Cup and a 3rd in the President’s Cup. He can mix his form, but he was a fair 5th in the Herald Business and shouldn’t be dismissed today.

Others who may find some interest at longer prices include (11) CHIEF INDY and the only filly in the race, Luigi Riccardi’s (4) WONDERFUL SLEW.

The YTN Cup is race 7 on the 11-race card at Seoul on Sunday which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05.

Selections(14) Global Hit (3) Nut Play (2) Jeongmun Cobit (7) Tuhonui Banseok
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10, 14

Global Hit Takes Stayer Series Opener

Global Hit made his debut as an older horse and last year’s champion three-year-old stepped up to win the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the first leg of the 2024 Stayer Series at a sunny Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Global Hit makes his decisive move in the Herald Business (Pic: KRA)

Sent off as the 1.7 odds-on favourite locally, Global Hit overcame Tuhonui Banseok and then saw off a late challenge from Nut Play to score by three-quarters of a length in the 500 Million Won race. With 4-year-olds coming home in 1st and 2nd, a week after Raon The Point and Something Lost did the same in the Sprint Series, younger horses are coming to the fore at the longer distances too.

It was a fourth Group winner for jockey Kim Hye-sun, and her third on Global Hit. Going into the race, Kim had expressed confidence that Global Hit had trained on over the winter and that belief was shown in the ride, where from a wide draw, she was happy to be patient early (a telling off from stewards for shifting in too soon after the start notwithstanding) before steadily improving and making her move in the home straight, only striking the front in the last half-furlong, running on to win by three-quarters of a length from Nut Play with Tuhonui Banseok in 3rd.

“I was a bit concerned about the draw, but Global Hit’s racing habit is that if he exerts too much energy early in the race, he won’t run well, so I was able to take him back at the start” Kim explained to in-house broadcaster KRBC.

Global Hit and Kim Hye-sun return to scale (Pic: KRA)

Global Hit was racing for the first time in three months and jockey Kim admitted that this had also been a source of anxiety for her. “The owner and the trainer wanted to give him a proper rest after what he did last year but as a jockey I wondered if he might be better (to have a prep race). But looking back now and seeing how some other horses have picked up injuries, I realise that they were absolutely right.”

Still lightly raced, Global Hit [To Honour And Serve – Tammy’s Victress (by Yankee Victor)] is a winner of six from eleven and 1.8 Billion Korean Won in prize money. He skipped the first leg of the Triple Crown last year but went on to comfortably score in both the Korean Derby and the Minister’s Cup before running 2nd to Winner’s Man in both the President’s Cup and then, by just a nose in the season ending Grand Prix Stakes. He has won six of eleven starts.

Pic: KRA

The second leg of the Stayer Series is the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on April 21st before the series concludes on May 26th with the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) on the south coast. The KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) has been moved forward two months to August 4th this year in order to serve as a final stepping stone to the international Korea Cup in early September. As for the two final G1 races of the year, the President’s Cup is in October this year with the Grand Prix on the very first day of December.

Owner Kim Joon-hyun confirmed that Global Hit will be pointed to the remaining races in the Stayer Series but didn’t mention the Korea Cup, in which he finished a creditable midfield last year, telling KRBC “I am considering letting him rest for a bit and then sending him to the President’s Cup and Grand Prix.” He then added: “He truly is a great horse.”

Herald Business Cup – Stayer Series 1st Leg Form Comments

Last weekend the Sprinting division was shaken up by the new generation as Raon The Point and Something Lost came home 1st and 2nd in the Busan Ilbo Sprint with Eoma Eoma trailing home in 5th. This Sunday, the four-year-olds will bid to ascend to the top of the Staying ranks as last year’s Korean Derby winner Global Hit heads the field in the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse, the first leg of the 2024 Stayer Series and first step along the road to September’s international Korea Cup. (SEE HERE FOR PREVIEWS OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN).

Stablemates Global Hit and Speed Young will face off again (Pic: KRA)

The established old guard, for the most part, won’t be there.  Raon The Fighter has been on the long-term injured list since last summer while Winner’s Man joined him after his successful Grand Prix defence, and both are doubtful to appear on a racecourse again. Success Macho underwent arthroscopic surgery for a chip fracture last month while earlier this week, Haengbok Wangja suffered a trackwork injury that has his future career in doubt too.

GLOBAL HIT was the standout three-year-old of last season, skipping the first leg of the Triple Crown, but then running out the dominant winner of both the Korean Derby and the Minister’s Cup, to claim the final two jewels under jockey Kim Hye-sun, who returns to Seoul to ride him again. He then finished an in no way disgraced 8th in the international Korea Cup, before rounding out the year with runner-up finishes to Winner’s Man in both the President’s Cup and the Grand Prix Stakes, in the latter of those, pushing the defending champion all the way to the line, going down by just a nose.

That Grand Prix run was a standout performance by Global Hit and marked out the To Honor And Serve colt, who is slight in stature but full of speed as the heir-apparent to the Raon The Fighter and Winner’s Man generation. While it now transpires that he may not need to actually beat them in order to replace them, the standard of opposition that remains, means he will still need to earn it.

VICS GO comes in off a stand-out performance to win the Listed Segye Ilbro Trophy over 1200M a month ago. He is a class 1 winner over 2000M though and only looks to be getting better with every run. Meanwhile TUHONUI BANSEOK was runner-up in this race last year and went on the win the second leg of the Stayer Series, the YTN Cup, last May.

SPEED YOUNG is a stablemate of Global Hit and was champion Juvenile in 2022. Although an also-ran in the first two legs of the Triple Crown, he ran 2nd to Global Hit in the Minister’s Cup and was then 3rd in the President’s Cup. Although beaten when a short-price favourite at class 1 over 2000M at Busan at the end of January, this race was clearly the target, and he may still have more improvement in him.

NUT PLAY and NAOL SNIPER are other four-year-olds who can still have more upside, while the veteran SIMJANGUI GODONG returns from an unsuccessful trip to the Dubai Carnival and should be much more at home on the Seoul sand.

The Herald Business Cup is race 7 on the 11-race program at Seoul with a local post time of 15:40.

1. THE GUMPU – Well back on only start of 2024 in January but trialled nicely alongside Eoma Eoma last month.

2. CHIEF INDY – Strong class 1 winner over 2300M in February. Tends to come unstuck among the elite though.

3. NAOL SNIPER – Runner-up in last year’s Derby, he has won his latest three up to Class 2 level. Moon Se-young aboard and a big run is not impossible.

4. FANTASTIC MAN – Also-ran in the Grand Prix and 4th behind Crazy Conti over 2000M in January. Trialled well since but outsider here.

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Winner’s Man Beats Global Hit in Grand Prix for the Ages

Winner’s Man became only the fourth horse in forty-one-years of the race to successfully defend the Grand Prix Stakes at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. But those who had taken the favourite at odds of 1.2 had the fright of their lives as Korean Derby winner and champion three-year-old Global Hit put up an epic feat of resistance, requiring the Horse of the Year elect to summon every last ounce of effort before prevailing by a nose in a photo-finish.

Winner’s Man and Global Hit go nose to nose (Pic: KRA)

On a bitingly cold day in the capital city where temperatures failed to go higher than seven degrees below zero all afternoon, Winner’s Man was heavily backed to repeat his success of a year ago when he saw off Raon The Fighter by a length with Tuhonui Banseok a close 3rd. With Raon The Fighter on the long term injured list, Tuhonui Banseok was among the leading contenders to dethrone the champion this time around, although few truly believed it was possible.

Remote of one of the best ever finishes to the Grand Prix (Pic: Hong Jong-woo/KRA)

It was almost possible, but not by Tuhonui Banseok. Winner’s Man settled just behind the early leaders and back on the fence as Jeongmun Sai and Fantastic Man set the pace. That pair gave way very early leaving Tuhonui Banseok out in front and Winner’s Man with clear track ahead to join him before the end of the backstraight. All the time, Global Hit was in close attendance and as they entered the home straight, the three of them, along with Success Macho were clear.

Tuhonui Banseok was the first to have run his race and to most observers that meant Winner’s Man was surely set to cruise away. But Global Hit would not lie down, and the pair came close together and began a duel. The three-year-old briefly struck the front inside the final furlong only for Seo Seung-un to lift the champion up from off the canvas for one last drive. They crossed the line together and it went officially to the judges, but Winner’s Man had it by a nose. Success Macho was just over a length back in 3rd.

The official photo

The pre-race buzz locally had been around Haengbok Wangja, the 2021 winner having snapped a run of desperate form with 5th in the Korea Cup and 3rd in the Cup Classic. Moon Se-young being booked to ride did nothing to dampen that enthusiasm and he ran well for 4th with Tuhonui Banseok in 5th. They were the top-five in the market, and that elite level of horses were a cut above the rest. The remaining eleven were, as anticipated, in a different race with nine lengths until the next best.

Speaking to YTN News after the race, winning jockey Seo Seung-un was both happy and relieved: “His condition coming in this week was so good that I really was confident that we would win comfortably, but the other horses have clearly improved a lot, especially Global Hit, and if (Winner’s Man) had not been at his best, we would have lost. Fortunately, he was, and we were able to win.”

Seo was questioned about the tactics in the race that saw Winner’s Man getting kickback in the early stages. “Winner’s Man likes to run on the outside, so it was a bit uncomfortable when I got stuck inside around the 1st and 2nd corners, but then we got through those corners, and things opened up in front and outside and I was able to attack. That made the difference.”

As for the future: “(Winner’s Man) will only be six years old (in 2024) but the most important thing is his health and so long as he is sound, we will be back for a go at a third Grand Prix this time next year.”

Winning trainer Choi Ki-hong told in-house broadcaster KRBC that the close nature of the race only enhanced his delight at the result: “Actually, I think my joy is doubled because it was such a thrilling win.  The track condition was good and Global Hit ran a great race against us. I want to thank the owner but also the jockey for a great ride and my stable crew for all their hard work to get Winner’s Man to this point.”

Kim Hye-sun, who became the first female rider to win the Korean Derby in June with Global Hit, came within a nose of repeating the achievement in the Grand Prix and in the immediate aftermath, her thoughts were of what might have been: “It’s actually disappointing to lose by a nose. When Tuhonui Banseok (was beaten) but we stayed with Winner’s Man, I realized that we had a chance. We came so close together (with Winner’s Man) that I couldn’t even use the crop and I just feel regretful that maybe we lost our opportunity.”

Kim though quickly saw the bigger picture about what Global Hit had achieved: “Overall I think Global Hit ran really well and the more I think about it, the more I am amazed. He is three years old and racing 2300M for the first time and he caught up with Winner’s Man. So, I am excited about next year and quite emotional about this horse.”

Seo Seung-un (Pic: KRA)

It was the first time ever that two Korean Derby winners have finished 1st and 2nd in the Grand Prix, with Winner’s Man having won the jewel in the three-year-old Crown in 2021. Power Blade and Winner’s Man are the only two Derby winners to go on and win a Grand Prix. A year from now, Global Hit may follow. Winner’s Man may have something to say about that though.

That’s the end of Group races in Korea for 2023 but there is still plenty of racing to come before the year end including a four-day program of races next weekend beginning on Friday at Busan and culminating with 12 races at Seoul on Christmas Day. There will also be another three-day program from December 29th and concluding on New Year’s Eve.

Winner’s Man Claims G1 Grand Slam and Record Earnings in President’s Cup Coronation

Winner’s Man eased away from his rivals and casually wrote his name into Korean racing lore at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as in winning the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) in emphatic fashion, he became the first horse ever to win four different Group 1 races in the country. He also became the highest earning Korean racehorse in history.

Seo Seung-un and Winner’s Man acknowledge the crowd after making history on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

The so-called Grand Slam is an almost impossible task. To begin with a horse must win a Korean Derby – and of course they only get one crack at that. They must also win a Korea Cup (or a Korea Sprint; nobody is requiring both) where they will most likely need to overcome strong overseas opposition, and they must also conquer the stamina-sapping Grand Prix Stakes with the grueling Seoul sand making the 2300M in sub-zero December equivalent to significantly further on less demanding surfaces.

The President’s Cup, restricted to Korean-bred horses (foreign bred horses can’t win a Grand Slam no matter what they do) and, unlike the Derby, with horses able to run in it for as long as they are racing, and in temperate mid-November is arguably the easiest of the four to win. Triple Nine did it four times. But he didn’t win a Derby or Korea Cup. Winner’s Man has won both, as well as a Grand Prix Stakes.

Last year he could only manage 3rd but this time around it was easy for Winner’s Man in the President’s Cup. While Minister’s Cup runner up Speed Young set the early pace along with Jeongmun Sai and Derby-winner Global Hit, jockey Seo Seung-un eased Winner’s Man into a position midfield and one off the fence, keeping out of trouble but always within striking distance. As the field rounded the final turn, Winner’s Man moved ever closer and once they straightened up, Seo pulled the trigger, and the result was a foregone conclusion.

The margin on the line was seven-lengths to Global Hit in 2nd and Speed Young in 3rd. 2022 winner Simjangui Godong was gallant as ever in 4th while the mare Eodigana pulled off a super run to come from well off the pace and finish 5th.

Winner’s Man defeats Global Hit and Speed Young (Pic: KRA)

“I need to thank all the staff of our stable” winning trainer Choi Ki-hong told in house broadcaster KRBC. “They have worked so hard to prepare Winner’s Man for this and it is a great honour for him to win this title. At the start he settled back, which was no problem, as he had experienced a lot of sand in the KRA Cup Classic and then when he improved around the 3rd corner, I was very confident.”

“I was sorry to his fans that we couldn’t win this race last year, so I am relieved and thankful we did it today.” As for what is next for Winner’s Man: “We go back home, and we prepare for the Grand Prix.”

“I am finally able to relax a bit” quipped Seo Seung-un to KRBC after piloting Winner’s Man into history. “I felt pressure going into the race, but it was on behalf of the horse, not myself, because of what he deserves, but fortunately we did him justice.”

“He has won everything now, except for the Korea Sprint, and he has won more prize money than any other horse (in Korea). But he still has a lot of potential for more so I will work hard with him, and we will prepare for next month.”

Winner’s Man was 7 lengths clear on the line (Pic: KRA)

Winner’s Man’s winning time was the quickest of any President’s Cup to date. He is only five years old but has now overtaken Triple Nine as the highest earning Korean racehorse of all time. By Musket Man and out of the Volponi mare Winner’s Marine, he has now won seventeen of twenty-seven starts.

A Grand Slam isn’t out of the question for Global Hit. No Derby winner has won the President’s Cup in the same year – the three-year-old winners of the race have all tended to be slightly later developers – but Global Hit, if he stays sound, looks to be the type that can have a big four-year-old campaign and beyond. For him the Korea Cup – with top line Japanese horses now targeting the race – will probably prove the toughest ask. Speed Young, a stablemate of Global Hit and another three-year-old, can’t win a Grand Slam, but he has every chance of returning to this race next year as well as targeting the Grand Prix and Korea Cup.

(Pic: KRA)

As suspected, the President’s Cup proved a race too far after a demanding campaign for the Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong. The filly is already a star and can be a multi-year talent with connections surely opting out of putting her through a Grand Prix next month. Defending champion Raon First faded after being close to the early pace but another mare, Eodigana, sent off in excess of 160/1, flew home almost as quick as Winner’s Man did in the final two furlongs, ending in 5th and may be an each-way chance in the Grand Prix.

Winner’s Man will be at the Grand Prix. And having overtaken him in terms of career prize money, he will be targeting Triple Nine’s record of five Group 1 wins (four President’s Cups and one Grand Prix in Triple Nine’s case). While the imports will be there, on today’s form and that of last month’s KRA Cup Classic, who is to stop him? The big race is at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday December 17th.   

Derby Winner Global Hit Lands Minister’s Cup

Global Hit sealed his status as the nation’s top three-year-old as the Korean Derby winner produced another late surge up the inside to win the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday evening.

Global Hit beats stablemate Speed Young in the Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Sent off as third favourite in a full field of sixteen, Global Hit was unable to get to a forward position coming out of the gate when Uptown Whiz drifted in front of him. Instead, jockey Kim Hye-sun had to be patient and settle the Derby winner in midfield as Dokki Bulpae and betting favourite Naol Sniper set the pace.

Global Hit steadily improved as the field made their way down the backstraight and joined the leaders as they turned for home. Once in the straight, Global Hit quickly accounted for Naol Sniper and Dokki Bulpae and was left with only stablemate Speed Young to see off. This he did with a final furlong burst of speed that saw him cross the line two-lengths to the good. As ever late on the scene, Nut Play came home 3rd a full seven-lengths further in arrears.

“I am really happy. Global Hit is a very good horse and he proved that the Derby wasn’t just luck” winning jockey Kim Hye-sun told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “I don’t really think I gave him due credit in my interview after the Derby, but I expected him to win this time. He has so much talent, and while his legs are not the strongest, the stable staff did such a good job in managing him and allowing him to show his ability.”

Asked about the start when Uptown Whiz crossed, impeding Global Hit from getting their desired position and whether it forced her to change tactics, Kim said she noted it. “As we came out the gap narrowed, I hesitated a little but decided not chase it, so we settled back a little bit further than planned, but ultimately it didn’t matter.”

Pic: KRA

For trainer Bang Dong-suk, it was a remarkable one-two with last year’s champion juvenile Speed Young running a redemptive race following lacklustre showings in both the Cup Mile and the Derby.

“I have to praise my jockeys.” Bang told KRBC. “They were great, but this is a whole team effort by everyone back at the stable. They worked hard to prepare this.” As for the future, the trainer was non-committal: “Global Hit has been through a lot with his legs, but they are both young and I am looking forward to what’s next.”

Jockey You Hyun-myung rode Speed Young to win the Breeders’ Cup and following a lengthy spell out after a bad injury in a race fall, was reunited with him in the Minister’s Cup. “The staff had told me he was back in form, and they were right. Global Hit was just too strong in the last 200M.”

Global Hit is by To Honor And Serve and is out of Tammy’s Victress (by Yankee Victor). With the win he moved on to five wins from seven starts.