Korea Racing Authority, Pilot Operation of Integrated Jockeys

*This content was translated by AI.

The Korea Racing Authority has launched a pilot program for the "Thoroughbred Integrated Jockey System," which allows top jockeys from racecourses other than Jeju to ride at either venue regardless of their affiliation, effective June 3.

The integrated jockey system is a reform of the previous operation method where jockeys were active only within their affiliated racecourse, now integrating the top-level jockeys from both venues. The initiative aims to broaden the selection options for owners and enhance the viewing satisfaction of horse racing fans.

The Korea Racing Authority has selected 10 integrated jockeys for the 2026 pilot program. By region, there are 6 from Seoul (Kim Sung-hyun, Shin Hyung-cheol, C.C. Wong, Jung Woo-ju, Jo Sang-beom, Jo Han-byul) and 4 from Yeongnam (Da Sil-ba, Park Jae-i, Seo Seung-woon, Jeong Do-yoon). Selection was based primarily on performance over the past year, with comprehensive consideration given to riding experience and the duration of activity at their home venue. The selected integrated jockeys will be active from June 3 to December 31.

A Korea Racing Authority official, speaking to this newspaper by phone, stated, "The integrated jockey system is designed to provide owners and horse racing fans with broader jockey selection opportunities and to jointly elevate the level of Gyeongju between the two racecourses."

Many horse racing officials expressed their views, saying, "This is a system that should have been implemented long ago, and its late introduction is regrettable. We must carefully monitor the pilot operation process to ensure the system is stably established."

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*This content was translated by AI.