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26.
History as
Yearling Sold to Korea
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10/01/2003 |
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History
was broken during the second session of today's Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions
Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast when a yearling was sold to Korean interests.
As their rivals exchanged blows during the bidding for the bay colt by exciting
first season sire Catbird, a group of seven South Korean horse owners sat
quietly ready to pounce.
With one swift bid from Lee Jong Won, the colt was theirs for $160,000.
A director of the Seoul Racehorse Owners Association, Won owns one of the
region's most picturesque properties, SS Farm, a home of a large book of quality
mares.
Magic Millions International Director Don Hancock said he was thrilled to have
clients coming to the Gold Coast from a number of regions throughout the world.
"This is the first time we've ever had a horse sold to Korean
interests," Hancock said.
"In Korea there are about 2000 broodmares and only 24 stallions," he
noted. "So they bought this colt as he has a lovely pedigree. He is from a
Storm Bird mare."
The Korean Thoroughbred industry is currently going through an exciting
development phase.
"There is currently only one track in Korea, but a second will be open at
Busan in November 2004," Hancock added.
Korea's only racetrack, Seoul, race twice a week - every Saturday and Sunday of
the year and huge crowds attend both meetings.
The popularity of racing in the region is astonishing. The betting turnover
equates to about $12 billion per year, and runs just $3.5 million less than Hong
Kong.
© Cyberhorse 2002 Greg Irvine
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