Winner’s Man is poised to etch his name into the annals of Korean racing history at Seoul Racecourse this Sunday as he aims to clinch victory in the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1), thus becoming the first horse to achieve a career “Grand Slam” of Group 1 triumphs.

The Korean racing circuit features only five local Group 1 races. Traditionally, the Korea Sprint and the Korea Cup, both contested on the same day, are considered interchangeable for the Grand Slam accolade. Winner’s Man, having already claimed the Korean Derby in 2021, as well as victories in the Korea Cup and the Grand Prix Stakes in 2022, now sets his sights on the elusive President’s Cup.

Winner’s Man holds the distinction of being the sole horse to secure triumphs in three distinct Group 1 races. While Triple Nine won four President’s Cups and a Grand Prix but fell short in the Derby, and Power Blade clinched the Derby and the Grand Prix but missed out on a President’s Cup, Winner’s Man stands alone. Other notable contenders with dual Group 1 victories include Gyeongbudaero, Indie Band (President’s Cup and Grand Prix), and Moonhak Chief (Korea Cup and Grand Prix).

The Grand Slam would have been within Winner’s Man’s grasp had he converted his 1.3 favorite status into victory in last year’s President’s Cup. However, on that day, he could only manage a third-place finish as Raon First made history as the first filly or mare to win the President’s Cup. The 2021 runner-up, Simjangui Godong, also returns to challenge Winner’s Man once more. Joining the fray are this year’s Triple Tiara winner, Jeulgeounyeojeong, and Korean Derby victor, Global Hit.

Winner’s Man’s season has been a roller coaster, marked by setbacks against Tuhonui Banseok in the Stayer Series. He rebounded with a third-place finish behind Japan’s Crown Pride and Gloria Mundi in the Korea Cup, followed by a reversal of fortune against Tuhonui Banseok (ineligible for the President’s Cup as an overseas bred) in the KRA Cup Classic in October.

Sixteen contenders are set to line up for the President’s Cup, slated as race 8 in an 11-race program at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday. The favorite, Winner’s Man, has drawn a wide position. A comprehensive list of the field, all bred in Korea, is provided below.