20th Busan Mayor's Cup: Global Hit Reclaims the Throne

On May 25, at the Korea Racing Authority LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam (headed by Um Youngseok), the 20th Busan Mayor's Cup, a major race, was held. Global Hit and jockey Kim Hyesun claimed victory in the event.

The Busan Mayor's Cup, the final stage of the Stayer Series that selects the best long-distance horse, saw 14 top long-distance contenders from Seoul and Busan compete. This year's race drew particular attention as Global Hit, who had previously competed in Seoul and Dubai, returned to race in Busan for the first time in nearly a year.

In this race, Global Hit demonstrated skill that surpassed luck. Although Global Hit was a strong favorite to win, the race did not unfold easily. Global Hit joined the leading group early on, but the wall ahead was too formidable to break through. Blocked by rival horses, Global Hit remained in fourth place until the final corner.

As Global Hit surged forward on the home stretch, Speed Young, positioned on the outside, also began a final sprint. The fierce duel between the two horses, which began 200 meters from the finish line, had everyone holding their breath. Ultimately, Global Hit secured victory by a neck.

The relationship between Kim Hyesun, jockey of Global Hit, and Park Jaei, jockey of Speed Young, who battled fiercely in this race, also attracted much attention. The two had appeared together on the April episode of KBS1's "Human Theater: The Queen Is Coming," and, in contrast to their friendly appearance on the show, they engaged in an intense, uncompromising contest on the racetrack, drawing public interest.

In a post-race interview, Kim Hyesun said, "The race did not unfold easily, and I was very anxious when the opportunity came late on the home stretch," adding, "Nevertheless, I am truly grateful to Global Hit for giving its all." Kim Hyesun also stated in the interview, "The audience cheered enthusiastically for Global Hit, and as a jockey, I feel great pride in riding Global Hit. I try to focus on enjoying the race as much as possible."

With this victory, Global Hit finally claimed the Busan Mayor's Cup, which narrowly slipped away last year. By winning both the second stage of the Stayer Series, the YTN Cup, and the third stage, the Busan Mayor's Cup, Global Hit also secured the title of this year's Stayer Series Best Horse (top long-distance horse). The rivalry between Global Hit and Speed Young, as well as between Kim Hyesun and Park Jaei, is set to continue at the Korea Cup, scheduled to be held in Seoul in September.