Most Appearances, Most Wins, and Prize Money in 6,775 Competitions
The greatest milestone in the history of Korean horse racing has been set with a legendary record of 1,500 career wins by a trainer.
The protagonist is Kim Youngkwan (age 64), a 21-year veteran at Korea Racing Authority's LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam, who is often called the "modern-day Baekrak." Baekrak is a historical figure from China's Spring and Autumn period, renowned for his ability to identify and nurture exceptional horses.
On the 23rd, Trainer Kim achieved a monumental milestone as the first and winningest Thoroughbred trainer, thanks to the victory of "Wonder Dragon."
On the 23rd, "Wonder Dragon," managed by Kim Youngkwan, competed in the 6th race at Korea Racing Authority's Busan-Gyeongnam track. The horse settled near the front and ran in second place. After rounding the fourth corner and entering the final straight, "Wonder Dragon" overtook the long-leading "Thum Breeze" and seized the lead in an instant. Maintaining its pace to the end, Wonder Dragon finished 1.5 lengths ahead of the runner-up, gifting Trainer Kim his remarkable 1,500th victory.
As Wonder Dragon crossed the finish line, Kim Youngkwan wiped away tears, and his team members, who watched the race together, embraced him in celebration.
After the race, Kim stated, "Since my debut, I have devoted everything to horse racing. Achieving 1,500 wins was only possible thanks to the dedication of my team members, who have stood by me for over 20 years."
Debuting at LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam in 2004, Kim Youngkwan has been dubbed a "record maker" and has left an indelible mark on Korean horse racing. His achievements include 68 major race victories, 17 consecutive years (2006-2022) as the winningest trainer, 12 Best Trainer awards, and the fastest 100 wins in Korean racing history?truly astonishing accomplishments for a single individual.
However, the reason Kim Youngkwan is so beloved goes beyond his racing results. It is his exceptional eye for talent and tireless effort to recognize potential in overlooked horses and nurture them into champions that set him apart.
The story of "Luna," a racehorse that overcame a congenital limp and earned prize money 74 times its purchase price, resonated deeply with many and was even made into a film. Another example is "Mr. Park," a horse repeatedly rejected by owners, who went on to achieve a record 17 consecutive wins under Kim Youngkwan's care.
Other notable champions produced by Kim include "Triple Nine," who set an unprecedented record with four consecutive President's Cup (G1) victories; "Power Blade," Korea's first Triple Crown winner; and "Joyful Journey," the 2023 filly Triple Crown winner. It is no exaggeration to say that most of Korea's top racehorses have been trained by Kim Youngkwan.
Kim Youngkwan's career, which began at LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam in 2004, continues to shine even past the age of sixty, as he maintains the record for most wins in both Seoul and Busan-Gyeongnam, proving his enduring presence at the top of the sport.
On September 1, LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam will hold an award ceremony to celebrate Kim Youngkwan's 1,500th win. On the same day, five races will be dedicated to the names of champion horses managed by Kim Youngkwan.
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