Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 122: After the Game and Before the Game

"terribly sorry."

After falling off the horse, the rider lowered his head without even bothering to wipe the mud off his face.

We misjudged the situation from the beginning and lost the initiative in the game very early on.

Although he managed to seize the opportunity to break through at the end of the bend, the horse's limited spare energy was completely consumed in the process.

"It's all my fault. Katuna ran very hard."

Hetian bent down deeply, and mud mixed with sweat dripped from his face.

“It’s good to be able to finish the race safely.”

Kitano was unusually calm about the result.

In the horse racing world, there is no shortage of successful horses making a comeback.

But for those with lower popularity, losing games is the norm.

Faced with a completely unfamiliar event, the tactics and strategies formulated by the camp based on inherent cognition are far from enough.

In high-level competitions, tactical disadvantages will be magnified infinitely.

Especially the world-class race like the Kentucky Derby, which far surpasses the average G1.

It was because we realized this early on that we suffered this defeat.

Even if I fail, it doesn't matter——

This is the advance admission ticket for tomorrow's Churchill Gardens.

"Please wait for me for a moment."

He didn't even have time to meet his relatives and friends who had come from Japan after the race. After leaving these words, the rider hurried to the lounge.

The final meeting started in the hotel lobby ten minutes later.

Although the Oaks Tournament Day has not yet ended, the camp's thoughts are already flying to tomorrow's game.

“It would be nice if the Kentucky Derby ran a little smoother.”

Recalling the scene of the competition not long ago, Huangshan frowned slightly.

Judging from the old game thinking, it cannot be said that there is any serious problem with Wada's positioning in the first set.

However, when everyone around is vying for position, such a strategy seems too conservative.

In the Kentucky Derby, where there are far more runners than today, it would not be good if we were to end up in today's situation.

He was defeated miserably by being drowned in the herd of horses before he could even show his prowess.

Such a result is unacceptable in any way.

"Feel sorry."

Wada remained sitting upright, lowering his head slightly.

"No, I don't mean to blame Wada-kun."

Huang Shan waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "After all, everything here is new to us, so it's understandable that we got this result."

"but--"

After a pause, he turned his gaze to the rider.

"Hey Wada-kun, what are your thoughts on today's game?"

After a brief moment of consideration, Wada said, "Rhythm is indeed more important than established running methods or strategies."

"If I can follow the momentum of the herd, I might be able to run better."

After saying that, the rider pursed his lips tightly again.

“Is that so—”

Kitano nodded slightly and looked back at the trainer.

"As expected, we can only play along with the competition."

After sighing, Huang Shan said somewhat dejectedly, "I really don't know what else I can do."

Whether it is the riders or the trainers, their pre-race expectations for the Ascot Trophy are based on their experience in past races.

The results proved to them that past experience was of no use here.

It was like a large-scale biting event between humans and horses at the same time. Such fierce competition in the initial stage was completely unimaginable in the past.

In Japan, clay court races tend to be more like grass courts.

Even in gates where thick sand easily accumulates on the inside track, riders are accustomed to taking a route as close to the inside as possible.

In other words, in most top-tier horse racing countries outside the United States, sticking to the inside circle and avoiding loss of distance is the natural choice.

In the United States, the situation is different.

The inside is a trap—a counterintuitive unfolding is laid bare before everyone's eyes.

"I'm not very clear about horse racing."

Kitano shook his head, maintaining a relatively relaxed expression on his face.

"But if you have any ideas, just go for it."

Overseas expeditions are not easy.

But precisely because they all had such a strong vision for the future, the expedition team, with the same goal in mind, finally saw the scenery of Churchill Gardens after six months of hard work.

I have been confused, taken long detours, and encountered setbacks.

It might not be perfect, but that's what he strives for.

"I sincerely thank you all for your hard work over the past five months."

Kitano bowed deeply and ended the expedition's final meeting with these words.

Regarding tomorrow's game, we may deliver a performance far better than today, or we may be overwhelmed.

Horse owners, trainers, and riders have different attitudes, but they all hold similar views.

Victory doesn't come for granted.

but--

They are ready for it.

"Mr. Kitano, what are your plans after the Kentucky Derby?"

On the way back to the guest room, Huangshan, who was walking behind Kitano, asked.

"Maybe I'll go back to Hokkaido first."

Kitano's eyes became a little long.

Tomorrow, Mejiro Sakuya and Mejiro Baima will start their respective games at very close times.

The Hokkaido Racing Association will naturally not miss such a gimmick.

In addition to moving up the schedule for the Beidou Cup, they also gritted their teeth and bought the broadcasting rights for the Kentucky Derby and organized viewing activities at the Menbie Racecourse.

It is said that the reserved seats were sold out several weeks ago.

Of course, such an action made Kitano feel a little regretful as he had to miss the Medahiramaba competition.

Don’t miss the Beihai Youjun Fair held in June.

"in addition--"

After pressing the elevator button, Kitano paused slightly.

"Regardless of the outcome of the Kentucky Derby, I hope to keep Sakuya in the United States for a while."

Huangshan accepted this fact calmly.

Ever since the Saudi Derby, he has been wondering how many more times this incredible horse can run with him.

Now, this question seems to have an answer.

"Are you going to breed?"

The trainer's voice was much hoarser than he had imagined.

"Breeding——"

The elevator door slowly opened in sight, and Kitano took the first step.

"But there's something else that's more important."

A long time ago, there was something that lingered in his mind.

"I have submitted an appointment request for surgery to the biomedical laboratory at Johns Hopkins University."

After the operation, more than 97% of the patient's motor ability will be restored, and the effects of lameness will be almost unnoticeable from the outside.

After the trainer entered the elevator, he pressed the button to close the door.

"Whatever her future path is, I hope she can continue running with a normal gait."

The price of the surgery is $132000, in US dollars.

Huangshan remained silent until the elevator door opened again.

“Is that so—”

The corners of his mouth pursed and then relaxed quickly.

"She is truly a beloved young lady."

(End of this chapter)