Jockey David Returns to the Busan-Gyeongnam Horse Racing Scene After Leaving Seoul

French jockey David has returned to the Korean horse racing scene after about two years, marking a new start at LetsRunPark Busan-Gyeongnam.

According to LetsRunPark Busan-Gyeongnam of Korea Racing Authority (headed by Eom Youngseok), David previously rode at LetsRunPark Seoul for about six years before returning to France, and has recently made his comeback to Korea.

Debuting in 2005, David is a veteran jockey with nearly 21 years of riding experience. He has gained experience riding in several countries including France and India, and began his Seoul stint in late 2017, spending about six years there. After riding until June 30, 2024, he returned to France.

Even after returning to France, he maintained solid performance. Last year, he raced 243 times, securing 20 wins with a win rate of 8.2% and a quinella rate of 44.4%.

In his first race after returning to Korea, he focused on regaining his feel for actual races. On September 11, David participated in five races at the Busan-Gyeongnam course. In the fifth race on the 10th, he rode "Bamtori Bambam" and, after a strong closing stretch, finished in second place after a close contest.

Despite a nearly two-year absence, he showcased his ability to lead a horse’s surge in the final stretch, improving the position in the race. On his first day back, he recorded one second-place finish in five races, wrapping up his return debut.

David pointed to the experience he has gained racing in various countries and at different racetracks as his strength. Although there are differences between turf racetracks, which are predominant in France, and sand racetracks, which are prevalent in Korea, he believes that his experience in multiple environments and his understanding of Korean horse racing, built during his time in Seoul, will help him at Busan-Gyeongnam as well.

He also expressed expectations for the changing Korean horse racing environment. He explained that new systems, such as Yeongcheon itinerant races and the integrated jockey system, provide jockeys with more opportunities to compete across various courses.

David said, "When I was active in Seoul, my family adapted well to life in Korea and I achieved good results, so I always missed competing here. I am happy to be back, and I will demonstrate even stronger riding than before."

With the combined experience of his Seoul tenure and overseas races, attention is now focused on how David will perform as he embarks on a new challenge at Busan-Gyeongnam.

Let's Run Park Busan-Gyeongnam jockey David.

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