Geudaemaniddamyeon defeated Wonpyeong Sket to claim victory in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy (1200M Listed) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, establishing himself as the main circuit’s top youth import and one of next year’s most exciting prospects.
After performing 2i.e on his debut, Geudaemaniddamyeon was a comprehensive winner at start number two over 1200 meters and that led to him being sent off as favorite for what is Seoul’s biggest youth race open to imported youngsters.
Second favorite Wonpyeong Sket, the only Korean bred in the race and one of only two fillies, came out of gate six early under Ruan Maia and looked set to go all the way until Geudaemaniddamyeon and CC Wong came around late to score in the last few strides. My Empire, a classic Empire foal, was in 3 two lengthsrd.
For Wonpyeong Sket, it marked three consecutive appearances in the Listed Juvenile races she led, but was later revised, after suffering the same fate at the hands of Mujehan Geup in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy and Chief Star in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy. Connections’ decision to divert from next week’s G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie, where the Musket Man filly would likely have met these two again, was likely justified.
It was CC Wong’s third listed success in Korea, after Crown Hamseong and Chan Famous earlier this year. Geudaemiddamyeon put forward a total of 70 Korean winners for the former Singapore hoop.
Trainer Choi Yong-geon won his first Listed or Graded race under his own name since becoming licensed in 2020 after a long career as an assistant. He was reserved as always in his post-race conversations with KRBC. “My heart is about to burst; I haven’t felt such an exciting feeling in a long time,” he says enthusiastically. “I would like to thank my very good friend (owner Woo Tae-yul) for trusting him and giving him such a great name.”
Owner Woo is known for giving his horses wistful and melancholic names, and Geudaemanuiddamyeon, a name that will probably never be loved by race callers, roughly translates into English as “If only you were here now.”
“We try to win every race, and every win is meaningful,” Choi continued. “But I was wondering when I would win my first trophy. (Geudaemaniddamyeon) only came to us in the summer, he is a big horse, he has a big build and has not been straight. As he is growing into (his frame), we had to keep a close eye on him. The team has worked hard and is being rewarded.”
As for the future: “We will do our best to make him a star.”
As the trainer noted, Geudaemaniddamyeon [Tacitus – Annies Law (by Harlan’s Holiday)] was a relatively late arrival in Korea. He was purchased earlier this year at the 2025 Ocala Breeders’ Sales on March 2 in Training Sale for $100,000. He is owned by Woo Tae-yul and trained by Choi Yong-geon.
Busan was set to host its own race for imported youth, but did not attract enough entries to continue. On the south coast, however, a full field of sixteen is expected next Sunday for the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2), which will determine the title of Champion Korean-bred Juvenile.
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