Husband Takes the Reins, Wife as Trainer... "Horse Racing Couple" Achieves First Victory

Kim Hyesun Transitions from Jockey to Trainer, Shares Emotional Victory with Husband Park Jaei
First Win Achieved in 21st Debut Race, Showcasing Perfect Partnership with Her Husband

A "horse racing couple" consisting of a jockey and a trainer has achieved their first victory together. Moreover, the "Empress of Busan-Gyeongnam," who transitioned from jockey to trainer, has finally reported her first win after 21 debut races.

On January 16, at the 2nd race at Let's Run Park Busan-Gyeongnam, trainer Kim Hyesun's horse "Grand Cru" was the first to cross the finish line. This victory was a joint achievement by the couple, as her husband, jockey Park Jaei, took the reins and led the horse to win.

Kim Hyesun, who made her debut as a trainer on November 25 last year, struggled with poor results at first but began to show improvement in 2026. After finishing second in her first race on the 16th, she finally lifted the winner's trophy on her 21st attempt.

Trainer Hye-Sun Kim (left) and jockey couple Jae-I Park are taking a commemorative photo for their victory.

Her husband, jockey Park Jaei, expressed his affection by saying, "I wanted to personally give my wife her first win, rather than anyone else, so I focused even more on the race."

Trainer Kim said, "Because we are a married couple, I was even more cautious when assigning the ride, but I believed Park's style would suit the horse well. We both must have felt a lot of pressure, but I am grateful to my husband for executing the strategy as planned."

Kim added, "After retiring as a jockey, I have been running nonstop without a break, so it has been hectic, but thanks to the owner who patiently waited and the members of Stable 5, I was able to achieve my first win. Watching the race, my heart was pounding as if I were riding the horse myself."