Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 112: Menbie and Kentucky
On April 16, Kitano returned to Monbetsu Racecourse after a long absence.

White sand, white horse tickets, and—

The white figure that crossed the finish line first.

"My eyes are full of surprise!"

As if clearly aware that the race was over, the horse stuck out its tongue and slowed down after crossing the finish line.

The rider in yellow and black looked past the silver mane in front of him and raised three fingers toward the stands.

Following Mejiro's call, Ochiai's voice was heard.

"It's really an incredible state."

At the railing, Tanaka's tightly pursed lips finally relaxed.

The results were quickly posted on the bulletin board.

In his first race after a long break, Medairo successfully escaped the cut with a one-length advantage in the 1200m NEXT STAR - Kitanihon.

"But it's a bit too early to talk about the treble now."

The trainer smiled and shook his head, then pursed his lips again.

The future star of Northern Japan is just an appetizer before the main game.

"Maybe Genta is congratulating you on your three consecutive championships in Northern Japan."

Kitano smiled and raised his hand to pat away the horse ticket that fell on his shoulder.

The viewing experience at other venues was not very good.

Needless to say, the stands are simple, and the air is always filled with the sour smell of drunkards.

but--

Whenever I step onto the field, my heart can’t help but beat fast for the game in front of me.

At this moment, all the noise faded into noise.

"Thank you for your hard work today, Xuantai."

In front of the inspection room, Kitano hugged the rider who had a calm face.

"It was Pegasus who put in more effort."

Ochiai smiled shyly and stroked Mudaiheima's neck gently with his hand.

The reed-haired horse shook its head in displeasure and snorted heavily.

"How dare a mere burden lay his hands on Master Tianma?"

Doudou looked so arrogant and this expression seemed to appear in his eyes.

After the Kuchidori ceremony, the camp started a post-match dinner at an izakaya.

"The winter training has been very effective, and Pegasus should see further growth in his competitions during the Classics year."

Tanaka took off the baseball cap he had been wearing, revealing his obviously sparse hair.

“My back feels less stiff, and I run a little smoother than last year.”

Ochiai, the main rider, talked about his riding experience without changing his expression, despite everyone's surprise.

"So, it seems the winter fur hasn't grown much either."

Ogawa Jō had a thoughtful expression.

Is it really long?

Still not long——

It's really hard to judge the condition of the reed-haired horse.

"Anyway, the game was won beautifully."

Kitano raised his glass.

"Victory!"

"Victory—"

The sound gradually became blurred in my ears.

That kid is going to run in the Kentucky Derby—

Ochiai's attention gradually rose to the clouds and drifted to the foreign country across the ocean.

What will the American competition be like?

For local riders who could only barely cope with the South Kanto competitions, this was completely beyond their imagination.

Do you want to continue?
Even if you make a decision early on, you will still often feel confused.

A rider's career, which could have lasted for two or three decades, may come to an abrupt end due to irrational choices.

but--

What was the resolution behind Ando-senpai's arrival at the Central Government twenty-five years ago, when he had already won everything at Kasamatsu?

The bitterness in my mouth gradually faded, and my thoughts that were drifting far away were forced to stop.

"How about another glass?" Tanaka pushed the full glass of wine towards Ochiai's eyes.

If I have another drink, I will definitely get drunk.

Ochiai has always been aware of his poor drinking capacity.

However, he still took the wine glass from the trainer, whose eyes were a little distracted.

So be it!

No matter whether the road ahead is glorious or full of thorns.

But, not yet.

This summer, there is still unfinished business that must be completed.

After tipping the cup over and catching the last few drops with his lips, the alcohol gradually dragged his consciousness into the abyss.

"This is going to be very troublesome."

Looking at the two drunk people in front of him, Kitano couldn't help rubbing his slightly swollen brows.

"Just call someone to take them away later."

Xuhe Zhang ate the side dishes slowly, and there was almost no trace of alcohol on his face.

"But Mr. Kitano, is everything alright?"

Putting down his chopsticks, Ogawa Jō raised his head and asked.

I just returned to Japan from Kentucky on the other side of the ocean the day before yesterday, and tomorrow I will take another trans-Pacific voyage.

Just for a local game -

I'm afraid no one would believe such a reason if I told them to others.

"My words are fine."

Although I am still struggling with jet lag, I surprisingly don't feel too tired.

The only thing that bothers me is that the communication method is too convenient.

Even if I return to Hokkaido temporarily, I can't just abandon my work in Kentucky.

On the contrary, because the distance became longer, the time spent on communication suddenly increased.

"That's right."

Xuhe Zhang nodded.

"Come to think of it, it's been almost a week, right?"

Last week, Arashiyama concluded that Mejiro Sakuya had adjusted to a level "capable of handling the prison stable."

Then, the expedition set off.

Wada also turned down a series of subsequent commissions for the cherry blossom viewing event and boarded a flight to Kentucky the day after the competition.

After arriving in Kentucky, Mejiro Sakuya was placed in the isolation stables at Churchill Park.

This time, the "home whistle" was of the type that was hardly disguised.

Imported racehorses are prohibited from leaving the stables during quarantine

Regarding this, everyone has more or less psychological expectations.

However, there are still many unexpected difficulties.

During the quarantine period, even those with connections to the camp who want to enter the stables must wear full protective equipment.

Whether it is daily feeding or hoof trimming, it becomes much more difficult under such circumstances.

In addition, the environment in the isolation stables was not satisfactory.

Even independent training areas within the quarantine area must be used with the permission of the resident veterinarian.

Before leaving the United States, Kitano continued to have difficult dealings with American veterinarians.

"Yeah, almost a week."

Kitano said after taking a deep breath.

"Ms. Xuhe and Asheng have been really helpful."

Thanks to Kana Ogawa's negotiations, the camp successfully won the right to use its own ingredient plan.

"No, I'm the one who should be thanked for being able to take them to the Kentucky Derby."

Xuhe Zhang waved his hand with a serious expression.

"The Kentucky Derby has been my lifelong dream."

Before Ogawa could launch into his long speech about the Kentucky Derby, Kitano interrupted, "Speaking of which, I have something else I'd like to ask Mr. Ogawa!"

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(End of this chapter)