'Global Hit' Aims to Complete the Stayer Series
with the Busan Mayor's Cup Challenge
'Global Hit', the next-generation star of Korean horse racing, will make an appearance in front of Busan fans for the first time in a year.
The stage for this return will be the Busan Mayor’s Cup, set to take place at LetsRun Park Busan Gyeongnam on May 25.
Global Hit is more than just a strong contender. After making a name for himself by winning the Korean Derby in June last year, he swept a series of domestic graded races, achieving an impressive eight consecutive victories. Out of a total of 18 starts, he has claimed 11 wins and earned approximately 4.1 billion KRW in prize money. True to his name, he has achieved 'global' results, becoming the hottest horse in every major race in the Korean racing scene today.
Winning moment of the YTN Cup race held in Seoul on April 20 (Global Hit and jockey Kim Hyesun). Provided by LetsRun Park Busan Gyeongnam
In particular, he is recognized for naturally succeeding 'Winner’s Man', who retired in October last year, and continuing the lineage of long-distance champions. Earlier this year, he even competed in the Dubai World Cup, the world’s largest horse racing event. Now, he returns to the Korean stage, making his first appearance in Busan.
Riding alongside him is jockey Kim Hyesun. Since her debut in 2009, she has spent 17 years carrying the label of 'female jockey'. She has quietly built her career, overcoming the conservative and male-dominated culture unique to horse racing. Even after marriage and childbirth, she could not stay away from the saddle and returned just seven months later. Meeting Global Hit in 2023 marked a turning point in her career. With consecutive wins in graded races, she shed the reputation of being a jockey without a signature achievement, and now, she is recognized as a leading figure alongside Global Hit.
The Busan Mayor’s Cup is a meaningful challenge for Global Hit as well. Although he was named the Best Stayer in last year’s Stayer Series, this is the only race among the three in the series that he has not won. Furthermore, although he is affiliated with Busan Racecourse, most major races have been held in Seoul, making this his first race in front of home fans since May last year. Expectations among Busan Gyeongnam fans, who have not had the chance to see him race in person, are higher than ever.
LetsRun Park Busan Gyeongnam plans to turn this event into a 'local festival'. On May 24 and 25, a flea market featuring 30 small and medium-sized enterprises, in cooperation with the Gyeongnam Regional Small and Medium Venture Business Administration, will be held at Derby Square. On May 24, a 'Color Race' marathon will take place along the Lake Park by the track, and on May 25, cheering events and stage performances will welcome visitors.
In particular, on May 25, anyone can visit the racecourse for free in celebration of the Busan Mayor’s Cup. Global Hit, returning from the sands of Dubai, and Kim Hyesun, once again running as a leading figure, are ready to write another chapter of their story on the track in Busan.
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