Couple marks Delpini's double victory at retired racehorses competition
A couple who own a retired racehorse-turned-riding horse named Delpini have donated 10 million won ($7,470) to mark the animal's victories at a competition for retired racehorses.
Delpini, the beloved horse of Seoul Horse Owners Association members Lee Han-jun and Lee Yun-jin, took first place in both the C and D class dressage events at the 2026 Retired Racehorses Equestrian Competition, held Friday and Saturday, riding alongside Chung Ju-yung.
Delpini competed as a racehorse at Seoul Racecourse from 2021 until September 2023, then underwent retraining and conditioning as a riding horse before claiming the double victory.
To mark Delpini's new chapter, the couple donated 5 million won each to the Thoroughbred Welfare Fund and the Seoul branch of the Community Chest of Korea, for a combined 10 million won. The funds are to be used for rescuing animals in crisis and supporting equine-assisted rehabilitation for people with disabilities.
"Delpini, the first horse we ever owned, has always been someone special to us," the couple said. "We hope she lives happily as a riding horse in retirement, and we wanted to mark the precious moments we shared with her through an act of giving."
Going forward, Delpini is set to take on a new role at a riding facility the couple is preparing, serving as a living example of the potential for retired racehorses to transition into riding horses.
yjc@heraldcorp.com
