Let’s Run Park Busan Gyeongnam Holds Farewell Ceremony Before Thousands of Spectators
Winner's Man (Korean-bred, male, 6 years old), known as the 'pride of Korean racehorses' for his outstanding racing ability and achievements, has retired from active racing and will remain a legend.
On September 29, Winner's Man held a splendid and meaningful farewell ceremony at Let’s Run Park Busan-Gyeongnam (Director: Um Youngseok), with thousands of spectators in attendance. Winner's Man retired with the highest honor for a racehorse, the Cheonma grade, which is equivalent to being inducted into the Hall of Fame in other sports.
At 2:30 p.m., after the 4th race at Busan-Gyeongnam, Winner's Man made his final run on the track as a racehorse, sprinting from the fourth corner to the finish line with jockey Lee Hyosik. The event was attended by many racing officials and fans, including owner Lee Kyunghee, trainer Choi Kihong, caretaker Kim Jimin, Um Youngseok, head of the Korea Racing Authority Busan-Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters, Shin Woochul, president of the Busan-Gyeongnam Owners Association, and Min Jangki, president of the Busan-Gyeongnam Trainers Association.
Over 4 years and 2 months, Winner's Man ran a total of 55.3 km, spending 58 minutes and 29.2 seconds igniting the hearts of many. He competed in 29 races, achieving 18 wins, 4 second places, 3 third places, an astonishing win rate of 62.1%, and a quinella rate of 75.9%. He earned the highest honors and accolades available to a racehorse.
In particular, Winner's Man provided great comfort to those exhausted by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. In his races, even when running in third or fourth place, 'Winner's Man Time' would begin as he rounded the fourth corner. His exceptional perseverance and finishing power, crossing the finish line first, gave spectators courage and energy.
Winner's Man stood out from his debut. Just two months after entering the racetrack, he made his presence known by winning his first race by 15 lengths. The following year, in 2021, he claimed his first major race victory at the Korea Derby, and in 2022, he won the Herald Business Cup, YTN Cup, and Busan Mayor’s Cup in succession, becoming the first Korean-bred horse to achieve the Stayer Series Triple Crown.
Especially in the 2022 Korea Cup, Winner's Man defeated strong foreign contenders to become the first Korean-bred horse to win the race, showcasing the power of Korean-bred horses to the world and fulfilling the hopes of domestic racing fans. Even while competing only in major races, he achieved an impressive six consecutive wins and was named Horse of the Year for 2022 after winning the Grand Prix in December.
In 2023, despite injuries and a slump, he consistently finished in the top three, never disappointing his fans. He quickly dispelled doubts about his racing ability by winning the KRA Cup Classic in October, and after winning the President’s Cup, became the first Korean-bred horse to win all domestic G1 races.
Even in the bitter cold of December, Winner's Man continued his run. He achieved back-to-back victories in the Grand Prix in 2023, once again proving himself as the best racehorse. He set a new record for prize money in Korean racing history, earning a total of 4,879,730,000 KRW, and was named Horse of the Year for the second consecutive year.
After a long break for a leg injury earlier this year, Winner's Man returned at the Korea Cup on September 8, but due to respiratory illness caused by post-surgery complications, his retirement was decided. At the retirement ceremony, owner Lee Kyunghee shed tears, saying, "It will not be easy to meet another great horse like Winner's Man in my lifetime." Trainer Choi Kihong said, "He has done more than enough so far, and I want to thank Winner's Man for all his hard work."
The short yet long career of Winner's Man as a racehorse has now come to an end. Winner's Man will begin his second life as a stallion at Winner's Farm in Gujwa-eup, Jeju City. Fans will now remember Winner's Man in their hearts and look forward to the day when his outstanding bloodline continues to shine on the racetrack through his offspring.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
