Winner’s Man etched his name into the annals of Korean horse racing history at Seoul Racecourse this Sunday by clinching the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) in a commanding fashion. This achievement marked his unprecedented triumph in four distinct Group 1 races, solidifying his status as the first horse ever to accomplish such a feat on Korean soil. Additionally, Winner’s Man now holds the title of the highest-earning racehorse in Korean history.
Jockey Seo Seung-un and Winner’s Man graciously acknowledge the crowd after their historic victory on Sunday (Image: KRA)
The elusive Grand Slam, considered a nearly insurmountable challenge, entails winning a Korean Derby—a one-time opportunity. Moreover, a horse must claim victory in a Korea Cup or Korea Sprint (with the former featuring formidable international competition). The final hurdle involves conquering the stamina-draining Grand Prix Stakes, where the challenging Seoul sand amplifies the 2300M distance to a level akin to more demanding surfaces, especially in sub-zero December temperatures.
The President’s Cup, reserved for Korean-bred horses (foreign-bred contenders are ineligible for a Grand Slam regardless of their achievements), is arguably the most accessible of the four races. Taking place in the temperate mid-November, and allowing horses to participate as long as they are in active racing, this competition has seen previous winners like Triple Nine achieve the feat four times. However, Triple Nine never secured victories in the Derby or Korea Cup—milestones that Winner’s Man has surpassed along with a Grand Prix Stakes triumph.
In the previous year, Winner’s Man finished third in the President’s Cup, but this time, the victory came effortlessly. While Speed Young, the runner-up in the Minister’s Cup, set the early pace alongside Jeongmun Sai and Derby-winner Global Hit, jockey Seo Seung-un strategically guided Winner’s Man to a midfield position, one off the fence. This maneuver kept the horse out of trouble while maintaining a striking distance from the leaders. As the field navigated the final turn, Winner’s Man steadily advanced, and upon straightening up, jockey Seo decisively urged the horse forward, sealing the outcome well before the finish line.
The winning margin was a resounding seven lengths, with Global Hit securing 2nd place and Speed Young settling for 3rd. The 2022 champion, Simjangui Godong, displayed gallantry in finishing 4th, while the mare Eodigana delivered a remarkable performance, making up ground from a considerable distance off the pace to secure the 5th position.
