Prior to last weekend, only Japanese jockeys have ridden in the Korea Racing Association circuit which comprises the Seoul, Jeju and Busan racecourses.

As part of the 30th Asian Racing Conference currently held in Seoul, the Korean Racing Association organised the inaugural International Jockey Series pitting five international jockeys against five local riders in three invitation races.

The other invited jockeys for this historic event were Glyn Schofield representing Hong Kong, Nakadate Eiji from Japan, Michael Cahill from Australia, Larry Cassidy from New Zealand.

Although Cassidy failed to gain a placing in the three invitation races, he managed to land a winner in an extra ride he picked up on Saturday, thus becoming to first non-Japanese foreigner to win in Korea.

In the second of three International Jockey Invitation races held at Seoul Racecourse last Sunday, Saimee scored a runaway win on MURYANGMUBYEON to victory in a 1400m race for 3-years-olds and upwards. They won by nine lengths in a time of 1min 27.7secs.

They were followed home by Korean jokeys Park Tae Jong on EXCITING and Shin Hyoung Chul on JISANG JEPAE.

Later that day, Japanese jockey Nakadate Eiji was successful on HAPPY KING in a 2000m for 3-years-olds and upwards. Again Korean jockeys filled the minor placings with Cho Kyoung Ho on KARAKORAM and Chun Chang Ki on CHEONJI JEPAE.

On Saturday, Korean jockeys struck the first blow with a 1-2 finish. In a 10 horse field over 1800m for 3-years-old and upwards, Park Tae Jong on ARIRANG CHAMPION beat Shin Hyoung Chul on SPADE to second with Schofield third on FOUR NINE.