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The number of racehorses in training in Korea will increase from 1,400 to 2,300 in the next 3 years, Korea Racing Association representative Park Yang-Tae revealed yesterday. Among a number of exciting projections for racing growth in Korea, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz, were:

Increased attendance from 16.2 million (2002) to 23 million (2006).

Building a new racecourse at Busan (to be completed in December 2004) to compliment existing tracks at Seoul & Jeju.

Increase in betting turnover from US$6.3 billion (2002) to US$10.3 billion (2006).

Increase in the number of foals from 915 (2002) to 1,015 (2006).

Increasing the number of off-course betting centers from 28 (2003) to 48 (2006).

Park Yang-Tae revealed current Korean betting figures are already huge - the average attendance at race-meetings (either on-course or at one of 28 off-course betting centers) is 200,000 & each patron wagers an average US$400 per person per day. Park Yang-Tae noted racecourses in Korea had been developed as “family parks”, not merely a place for betting for adults:

“We have developed the inside of the racetrack into a family park which includes children’s playground, promenades, soccer fields & horse-back riding. ‘Racing fan days’ offer free admission & drinks to patrons. We have made efforts to enlarge the racing fan base & diversify betting methods. Focusing on younger generations & family fans has been an important commitment.”

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