Storm Upset, Comeback GoGoSing! ... Captain Yankee's Surprise Victory in the 18th KRA Cup Mile

Published 20 Apr.2022 17:29(KST)

Updated 10 Aug.2025 11:29(KST)

Captain Yankee is crossing the finish line.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] A thrilling showdown occurred in the thoroughbred race. The expected winning horses had to hide behind the sandstorm caused by the upset "jilsumma" and cross the finish line.

On the 17th, Saturday, the 18th KRA Cup Mile was held at Busan-Gyeongnam Race Park.

In the race, contrary to the majority of fans who predicted the victory of "Complete Value" or "Seungbusa," "Captain Yankee" made a come-from-behind win.

With "Aspen Taeyang" withdrawing due to a limp in the right hind leg, 12 horses lined up at the starting gate.

As the race began, "Beolma-ui Star" immediately surged forward to take the lead. Following closely were "Seungbusa" and "Complete Value," joining the front pack.

Entering the third corner, "Beolma-ui Star" fell behind, and "Seungbusa" and "Complete Value" led the race in first and second place.

Just as it seemed the race would end with the rankings maintained until the finish line as fans expected, "Captain Yankee" unleashed tremendous speed from 200 meters before the finish line and sprinted forward.

Quickly catching up to "Seungbusa" and "Complete Value," who had exhausted their stamina in the early lead battle, "Captain Yankee" took the lead less than 50 meters before the finish line and crossed first without facing the sandstorm.

"Captain Yankee" was ranked 9th in popularity among the 12 horses in the win odds, completely overturning fans' expectations.

This is a surprise victory for a Busan-Gyeongnam horse following "Golden Power"'s win at the "Luna Stakes" on the 10th.

Jockey "Jo In-gwon," who rode "Captain Yankee," said, "It was a 1600m race, and the pace was very fast at the beginning. I thought if I could keep up well, there might be a chance. When I saw the two horses ahead, I decided to push until the end, and fortunately, I had enough energy to win."

The KRA Cup Mile race video and the winning jockey's interview can be viewed on the Korea Racing Authority's horse racing broadcast KRBC channel on YouTube.

In the 18th KRA Cup Mile race, the "Jockey Cam," a camera mounted on the jockey's helmet, was introduced.

With jockey Jo In-gwon wearing the camera and winning the KRA Cup Mile, viewers can enjoy the added fun of experiencing the race from the winning jockey's perspective.