The "Horse Physiognomist" Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Korean Horse Racing
Achieving 1,500 Wins and Producing Legendary Horses
Kim Youngkwan, known as the "Horse Physiognomist" and the first trainer in Korean horse racing history to achieve 1,500 wins, left the racetrack he had been a part of for 50 years after holding his retirement ceremony on June 29. On the same day, Yang Gwiseon, who dedicated over 40 years to the horse racing industry, also retired.
A trainer plays a key role in horse racing, similar to a head coach, and is responsible for training racehorses, recruiting jockeys, and establishing racing strategies.
Kim Youngkwan began his connection with horse racing as a jockey in his teens and made his official debut as a trainer in 2005 with the opening of LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam. Over the past 21 years, he participated in a total of 7,054 races and recorded 1,539 wins, setting a legendary record. Last year, he became the first in Korean horse racing to achieve 1,500 wins, marking a significant milestone in the sport's history.
Kim achieved 71 wins in major races and was the leading trainer for 17 consecutive years, firmly establishing himself as a "master trainer." True to his nickname, the "modern-day Baeklak," he produced numerous outstanding horses. These include Luna, who overcame a congenital disability and became the real-life model for the film "Champ"; Mister Park, who holds the Korean record with 17 consecutive wins; Triple Nine, who won the President’s Cup four years in a row; Power Blade, Korea’s first unified Triple Crown winner; and Joyful Journey, the filly Triple Crown winner?all raised under his guidance.
Yang Gwiseon also quietly supported the development of the horse racing industry for over 40 years as the head of Stable No. 9 at Busan-Gyeongnam. In 2011, he won the Busan Ilbo Cup major race with Crown Flag, and more recently, he garnered attention from racing fans with Daeji Choice. Yang reflected, "Horses are life companions and life itself. While I feel more at ease now that my trainer career?filled with constant tension and competition?has ended, I think I will miss the early mornings spent with the horses."
The retirement ceremony held on the same day took place at the grandstand of LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam, attended by the trainers' families and colleagues. Kim Youngkwan stated, "I was able to stand here today thanks to my colleagues who gave their best in their respective roles toward a common goal. Even after retirement, I hope to continue contributing to the development of Korean horse racing and the horse industry."
The stables left by Kim Youngkwan (Stable No. 19) and Yang Gwiseon (Stable No. 9) will be succeeded by Yoo Hyunmyung and Kim Dohyun, who made their debuts as trainers on July 1. On the day of the retirement ceremony, jockey Yoo Hyunmyung ended his riding career and began a new path as a trainer.
Although the long journeys of these two trainers have come to an end, their remarkable achievements and noble passion?which elevated the status of Korean horse racing and ushered in a new era?will remain valuable assets to the horse racing community for a long time to come.
On the 29th of last month, at the retirement ceremony held at LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam, trainers Kim Youngkwan and Yang Gwiseon, along with jockey Yoo Hyunmyung, held their retirement ceremony.
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