LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam Takes First Step Toward Warm Change With Racehorses Through 'Mapilconomy'

Shin Woochul, Chairman of the Busan-Gyeongnam Owners Association, Becomes the First Donor


Voluntary Welfare Fund to Support Racehorse Medical Care and Post-Retirement Life

"A horse is not just an animal, but a partner with whom we share our emotions."

This was the message delivered by Shin Woochul, Chairman of the Busan Gyeongnam Gyeongmajoo Association, as he became the first donor to the voluntary horse welfare fund, 'Mapilconomy (Ma-Feelconomy)'.

To support the treatment of injuries and the post-retirement lives of racehorses, which have long been overshadowed by the glamour of racing, owners at the Busan-Gyeongnam racecourse have joined forces for a common cause.

LetsRun Park Busan-Gyeongnam of Korea Racing Authority (headed by Eom Youngseok) recently announced the official launch of the 'Mapilconomy (Ma-Feelconomy)' project. With growing interest in horse-human bonding, such as companion horse culture and horse therapy, this initiative aims to respond to increasing societal demands for racehorse welfare.

'Mapilconomy' is a voluntary welfare fund project in which both owners and racehorses participate. Owners who wish to participate donate KRW 500,000 per occasion, and the funds are used to establish a welfare system for racehorses, covering medical treatment, rehabilitation, and support for their second lives after retirement. The project goes beyond simple donations, aiming to spread a culture that recognizes racehorses as companions.

In particular, owners and racehorses participating in donations are honored by being featured as cover models for "Today's Race," among other recognitions. Through this, the organizers plan to further promote a mature welfare culture throughout the horse racing industry.

As the first donor, Chairman Shin Woochul is known for producing renowned racehorses such as "Rising Glory" and "Save the World," and was named Best Owner in 2018. He has also practiced values of mutual growth, such as donating prize money from "Save the World" to fund scholarships for the children of the late trainer Kim Bokyung.

Chairman Shin stated, "Donating in the name of racehorses through 'Mapilconomy' is a truly meaningful initiative," adding, "I hope many owners will participate as the horse racing industry advances into a more leisure- and healing-focused modern industry."

His philosophy is also carried on by his family. Together with his daughter, Shin Yunkyung, the youngest owner, he is working to expand horse racing as both a professional sport and an industry, even attending overseas auctions together.

Eom Youngseok, Head of the Busan-Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters at Korea Racing Authority, commented, "Voluntary participation by horse owners will be a pivotal moment in changing public perception of horse racing. We will continue to provide diverse support so that retired racehorses can maintain healthy lives after retirement."

The sustainability of the horse racing industry ultimately begins with respect for horses. Attention is now on whether the 'Mapilconomy' project can create a virtuous and warm cycle between racehorses and people.

Shin Woochul, Chairman of the Busan-Gyeongnam Racehorse Owners Association, and his wife Cho Chunhee are taking a commemorative photo together with the framed Mapilconomy of the Shin family.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.