She didn’t quite manage to out “Lala K” Lala K, but nevertheless, Boryeonglightqueen pulled off one of the more remarkable come from behind efforts to flash past the two-time defending champion Jeulgeounyeojeong – and everyone else in her way – to win the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

The winner of the final leg of this year's Triple Tiara, and the only three-year-old taking her chance, Boryeonglightqueen  was sent off as 14/1 fifth choice in the market as she took on her filly and mare seniors in the Jeju Governor's Cup, the first leg of the Queens' Tour Fall/Winter. Jeulgeounyeojeong, bidding to win the race for the third year running, began as the 2.5 market favourite.

Second-favourite Crown Hamseong looped the field to take the early lead and as the field settled down was joined on the pace by Born Dia and then Jeulgeounyeojeong and Donga Ilbo Trophy winner Gladius, with the field being strung out behind and the ultimate winner at the back.

Turning into the straight, Born Dia was the first to be shaken off, followed by Crown Hamseong, and it looked as if it would be a straight fight between Gladius and Jeulgeounyeojeong.

That would be to reckon with Boryeonglightqueen who, having been let loose at the top of the straight, proceeded to complete the final three furlongs a full two seconds quicker than the two leaders, improving from 12th to 5th in the penultimate furlong and then sweeping past the rest, winning by two-lengths on the line.

Jeulgeounyeojeong, making her first start for trainer Lee Sang-young, following Kim Young-kwan's retirement, was 2nd, with Gladius a further length back in 3rd.

"I was concerned about the early pace of the race" winning jockey Jung Do-yun told in-house broadcaster KRBC. "The race got a bit stretched and I think that was how we were able to win." Jung was bullish about Boryeonglightqueen's prospects for the remainder of the Queens' Tour. "She's better at longer distances so we'll be aiming to win the Series."

Winning trainer Kim Gil-jung echoed Jung's thoughts: "I had some expectations in my own mind but considering her best result had come at 2000M I did fear perhaps the 1400M might be a bit sharp with not enough time for her to come back at them in the straight."

"We'll go on to the Gyeongnam Governor's Cup in October. Everything is easier in October with the summer over and the horses peaking. She'll have home advantage (at Busan) and back at 2000M, we will be looking forward to it."

Jockey Kim Yong-geun, who finished 3rd on Gladius admitted that he had been focusing on his duel with Jeulgeounyeojeong when Boryeonglightqueen surprised them both.

"As expected, (Gladius) didn't start very well but I gave her a bit of bridle, and we made our way forward. I was confident into the 4th corner when Jeulgeounyeojeong came alongside. She is a strong horse, and we had a good battle. I thought we were making progress back at her, so I was a bit confused when another horse came so fast down the outside."

Boryeonglightqueen is by Rock Band (by Ecton Park) who was foaled and did his racing in Korea, winning the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Minister's Cup, in 2015. She is out of the Menifee mare, Yaho Prez, who also raced in Korea.

The next leg of the Queens' Tour Fall & Winter is the Gyeongnam Govenor's Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan on October 26th.