Legendary jockey retires after 38 years of horse racing

Jockey Park Tae-jong, often dubbed the “president of Korean horse racing,” ended his 38-year career at the official retirement age of 60 with 2,249 wins in 16,014 races — the most in the 103-year history of Korean horse racing.

To mark his retirement, the Korea Racing Authority (KRA) held a ceremony Sunday at LetsRun Park Seoul in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, where fans could meet Park and view special exhibits showcasing his career.

“The applause and congratulations from my fans for staying focused and giving my best have truly encouraged and moved me,” Park said. “I would like to thank the horse owners, trainers, stable staff, track riders, fellow jockeys and fans.”

Born in Jincheon County, North Chungcheong Province, Park originally wanted to become an excavator operator when he moved to Seoul after high school. But after his uncle suggested he apply to be a jockey, he realized his height of 150 centimeters could be a strength in horse racing.

Since debuting in April 1987, Park has broken numerous records in Korean horse racing.

A model of discipline, he neither smoked nor drank, and cultivated the habit of waking up at 4:30 a.m., beginning training at 6 a.m. and going to bed before 9 p.m.

In his final race, held a day after his Dec. 20 birthday, he finished second, edged out by 25-year-old jockey Lee Sang-gyu, who debuted in 2022.

“Jockey Park Tae-jong is a living legend who has shared the joys and hardships of Korean horse racing for the past 38 years, demonstrating exceptional skill and professionalism,” said KRA CEO Chung Ki-hwan. “His contributions to the sport will be remembered forever.”