Clean One won the Grade 2 Busan Mayor’s Cup over 1,800 meters on May 24, 2026, finishing six lengths ahead of the field to claim the 700 million won (S$587,000) prize [1, 2]. The horse, bred in the United States and regarded as the best in Korea, was the $8 favorite and took the lead early, controlling the pace before pulling away decisively under jockey Seo Seung-un [1, 2]. Seo eased Clean One into the lead and asked for a final effort only in the home stretch [1, 2].
The victory brought Clean One’s career win tally to seven, adding to a strong record that includes a dominant win in the 2025 Grade 2 Grand Prix Stakes over 2,300 meters by the largest margin seen in three decades [1, 2]. Earlier in 2026, Clean One triumphed at the Grade 3 Herald Business race (2,000 meters) in Seoul, the first leg of the Stayer Series, before resting during April’s Grade 3 YTN Cup [1, 2].
Trainer Moon Hyeon-cheol expressed pride, calling the result the greatest success yet for his stable and saying, “It’s so good to do it in front of so many fans who have turned up at Busan.” He added, “From about the fourth corner, I was confident he would win” [1].
Global Hit finished second, posting his fastest 1,800-meter time ever. He had placed second in the YTN Cup in April, behind Success Baekpa, who finished fourth this time. Gangpungma came third, followed by Yeonggwanguifirst in fifth and Speed Young in sixth [1, 2]. Moon also paid tribute to Global Hit, a horse he previously trained [1, 2].
The race confirmed Clean One’s status as a leading contender in top Korean races. The next major event for the horse has not yet been announced, but his steady record suggests further high-profile targets will follow soon.