Maia welcomes maiden Korean Group win aboard Munhak Boy
Ex-Kranji-based Brazilian hoop lands Busan’s Kookje Shinmun Cup
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Munhak Boy leading from start to finish in the Group 3 Kookje Shinmun Cup (1,400m) in Busan on Oct 26 to give Brazilian jockey Ruan Maia his first Group victory in Korea.
PHOTO: KOREA RACING AUTHORITY
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BUSAN – Jockey Ruan Maia secured his first Group success in Korea during his one-day visit to Busan on Oct 26, partnering American import Munhak Boy to an all-the-way success in the 500 million Korean won (S$451,000) Group 3 Kookje Shinmun Cup (1,400m).
Trained by Jung Ho-ik, the talented three-year-old was coming off five consecutive wins in Seoul before his debut run in the second last leg of the Korea Premier Series, which will culminate with the Group 1 Grand Prix (2,300m) in Seoul on Nov 30.
Munhak Boy was sent off as the even-money favourite as he tackled Group company for the first time. But, under Maia, the Lord Nelson colt made the race largely a formality, taking full advantage of the inside draw to get to the front of the 16-strong field.
Japanese import Smart Boss (Francisco da Silva) finished 1¾ lengths behind in second, while 2024 winner Gangseo Giant (Chae Sang-hyun), who started at long odds due to his dismal form, closed in well for a brave third another two lengths away.
Previously based in Singapore, Maia kick-started his Korean venture on March 30, and has chalked up 50 wins in seven months.
The Brazilian and former three-time Macau champion jockey has also shown great chemistry with Munhak Boy, having now won five races from six rides on the Seoul-based galloper.
“I felt so happy because it’s my first Group race (win) in Korea,” said Maia to Korea Racing Broadcasting Channel.
“I have ridden him six times and won five races now. I knew he was in very good condition and also improved a lot before this race.
“I wanted to ride him in second position at first, but not long after the start, I decided to take the lead instead.
“I’d like to thank the trainer, the owner and the staff in the stable for giving me the opportunity to ride this nice horse.
“I’m very proud of the horse. He proved his ability today and winning a Group race is very important for everybody.
“It is very competitive riding here in Korea, but I will continue to do my best.”
Owned by Kwon Kyung-ja, who used to race Korea’s 2019 Horse of the Year Moonhak Chief, Munhak Boy has now won eight races from 13 starts.
However, disappointments in the race were aplenty, including the Kim In-gyu-trained Sprint Series winner Vincero Cavallo.
The Cowboy Cal four-year-old’s run was even more lacklustre than his last-start sixth in the international Group 3 Korea Sprint (1,200m) on Sept 7.
Being the slowest away, Vincero Cavallo (Jang Chu-youl) took a bump at the start and subsequently finished 10th, albeit he was found to be lame in his right fore leg after the race.
Both Super Finish (Kim Yong-geun), who ran third in the Korea Sprint, and champion mare Jeulgeounyeojeong (Seo Seung-un) also finished down the field.
The other highlight event at Busan’s six-race meeting was the 500 million Korean won Group 3 Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2,000m) three races earlier.
The Kim Gil-jung-trained Boryeonglightqueen was sent off as the favourite in the second leg of the Queens’ Tour (Fall/Winter) Series, but it was not to be for the daughter of Rock Band.
The three-year-old filly, who won the Group 3 Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2,000m) on June 8 and the first leg of the current series – the Group 3 Jeju Governor’s Cup (1,400m) – at Seoul on Sept 21, settled well back as expected.
But, she did not run on under jockey Jung Do-yun, ultimately managing only fifth.
Instead, it was Flying Star ($74) who took the honours in easy fashion. Trained by Seo In-seok, the Colors Flying four-year-old mare settled in a handy position before taking things up on the turn for home. She went on to cruise home by seven lengths with Jang in the saddle.
Outsider Ace High (Choi Si-dae) finished second, while the ever-reliable Raon Forest (Choi Bum-hyun) had to settle for third another ¾ length away.
Owned by Song Chang-oh, Flying Star has recorded five wins from 22 starts, including her last win in the final leg of the Queens’ Tour (Fall/Winter) Series in 2024, the Listed Breeders’ Cup Queen (1,800m).
SKY RACING WORLD
Additional reporting by Sharon Zhang
