0.2-Second Difference... 'Gangseo Giant' Wins International Newspaper Cup Grand Race

The victory in the International Newspaper Cup, a mid-distance fiery race attracting attention from top-class racehorses, was an upset as Kim Young-gwan’s trainee, ‘Gangseo Giant’ (4-year-old mare, owned by DRMC T), succeeded in a last-minute comeback, surpassing renowned stallions.

Gangseo Giant crossed the finish line first with explosive final stamina in the ‘17th International Newspaper Cup Stakes (6th race, 1400m)’ held on the 10th at LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam in Gangseo-gu, Busan. The winning time was 1 minute 25.3 seconds, with ‘Black Mamba’ finishing second, 0.2 seconds behind.

Established as a special race in 2006 and elevated to a stakes race from 2011, the International Newspaper Cup has produced many famous horses. This year’s race drew even more attention as the last 1400m open race for the top class of three-year-olds and older.

In the early stages of the race, Gangseo Giant was not seen among the frontrunners. The lead battle was between ‘Fantastic Kingdom’ and ‘Something Lost,’ both possessing strong speed. However, Gangseo Giant’s incredible run began after rounding the 4th corner and entering the home stretch. With 300 meters remaining, Gangseo Giant quickly took the lead and delivered a thrilling come-from-behind victory with tremendous speed, claiming the winner’s prize of 207.5 million won.

Gangseo Giant showed potential by accumulating wins mainly in mid-distance races of 1400m or less during her three-year-old season. Although she disappointed by finishing second twice consecutively in this year’s Queens Tour series, this victory has laid the foundation to aim once again for the title of Korea’s strongest mare. It is also unusual for a mare to win over stallions.

Kim Young-gwan, the trainer who celebrated his 70th stakes race victory with this win, said, “Since this was a mid-distance race and the start was slow, I was quite worried. The plan was to maintain the pace until the 4th corner and make a move in the home stretch, and the strategy worked.” He added, “Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations, so I am grateful to the jockey and the stable team who led Gangseo Giant to victory.”