“Wasn't it Jeju Horse?”, First 'Samgwanma' Produced at Mainland Ranch ... Jackpot of 850 Million Won in Prize Money

Golden Power is crossing the finish line at the 15th Gyeonggi Province Governor's Cup.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Leaving behind Jeju Ranch, the birthplace of 'famous horses,' a racehorse ranch in the Busan-Gyeongnam region has produced the country's first filly Triple Crown winner.

Son Byung-chul, a 60s owner operating a racehorse ranch in Miryang, Gyeongnam, has produced the first filly Triple Crown winner. The racing industry is also paying close attention.

Until now, the racehorse industry had been monopolized by racehorse ranches in Jeju, but this achievement has raised the possibility of success inland as well.

“Golden Power” (3-year-old filly, Busan-Gyeongnam Race Park), ridden by jockey Choi Si-dae, recorded a come-from-behind victory with explosive finishing power in the final stretch at the 15th Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000m, total prize money 450 million KRW) held at Seoul Race Park on May 4. With the Triple Tiara series prize money of 750 million KRW and an incentive of 100 million KRW, it ascended to Triple Crown status.

This Triple Crown achievement is the third overall after 'JS Hold' in 2007 and 'Power Blade' in 2016, and the first for a filly.

The races that “Golden Power” won are part of the Triple Tiara series: Luna Stakes (1600m), Korean Oaks (1800m), and Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000m).

This series, held by the Korea Racing Authority to encourage filly production, is open only to 3-year-old fillies. A Korea Racing Authority official said, "To become a Triple Crown winner, a horse must win at distances of 1600m, 1800m, and 2000m, which is by no means easy. Usually, horses have distance preferences, but a Triple Crown winner must perform well at all distances."

Although “Golden Power” achieved the historic feat of becoming the third Triple Crown winner ever, it faced hardships before debuting as a racehorse. Sold at one year old, it returned to the ranch due to the buyer’s change of mind and was subsequently overlooked. Moreover, it trained inland rather than in Jeju, famous for producing famous horses, putting it at a slight environmental disadvantage.

However, after owner Son Byung-chul recognized “Golden Power’s” potential and decided to raise her as a racehorse himself, her abilities steadily improved.

“Golden Power,” possessing the three major qualities of a famous horse?speed, stamina, and carrying capacity?won each race by a large margin, surpassing competitors with remarkable power.

Before the Triple Tiara, “Golden Power” did not receive much attention, but after repeated races this year, she showed tremendous growth and ultimately became the strongest 3-year-old filly.

Although she has already earned the honor of Triple Crown winner, being only 3 years old, she is expected to make a significant impact not only in racing results but also in the racehorse breeding market.

A Korea Racing Authority official said, “In the racing industry, bloodlines are important, so when a horse wins, the sire (father) of that horse also gains attention,” expressing high expectations for the growth potential of inland racehorse ranches.

In addition to Ian Ranch and Winners Farm, which are racehorse breeding and training ranches, owner Son Byung-chul, who also manages multiple companies including Daedong Hi-Tech, is dedicating efforts to educational donations to nurture talent that will lead the future of the horse industry.

He has donated racehorses for students of Korea Racing & Livestock High School and is actively engaged in donation activities through the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation.