Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 128 The Revelation After the Carnival

It was a windless night, and the air was filled with the heat after the carnival.

The Menbetsu Racecourse is surrounded by glittering LED lights, with red, green and blue colors dotted everywhere.

A few hours before the game started, the crowds that had dispersed during the day flocked to the stands like ants returning to their nest.

"Oh--"

While still in the appearance circle, a rather loud noise was heard among the huge crowd.

Please win the game.

This is a heavy commission from someone other than the horse owner, called "world opinion".

In the place where legends are born, victory is natural.

The moment Mejiro Sakuya crossed the finish line at Churchill Park—

Ochiai was also among the witnesses.

Watching horse racing live has something special that other forms of entertainment don't have.

That is, even though there are many people around, you feel like you are alone.

On the other hand, even when you are fully focused, you can still vaguely feel a breath similar to your own.

Not fitting nor separating, sharing the same experience——

Amidst the noise, something seemed to be growing and developing at an incredible speed.

Now is the time when enlightenment is gaining momentum.

"Is it okay?"

Holding the reins, the stable attendant Kobayashi's voice was a little hoarse.

It seemed that like many people in the stadium, he still hadn't recovered from the afterglow of the game that morning.

"it does not matter."

A moment later, a somewhat indifferent response came from the rider on horseback.

Stepping onto the track, Ochiai and Medaipei felt as if they were in another space isolated from the outside world.

The anxiety and restlessness end here.

Fine sand as white as snow flowed slowly between the hooves, and the man and horse walked steadily towards the gate.

Mudaishima tensed up as if he had shrunk out of thin air, his ears pointing forward motionlessly.

The gate popped open—

The grayish-white body rushed out like an arrow.

Ochiriki gently tugged the reins and, without hesitation, aimed at the inner second and third tiers of the route.

In a match with fewer runners, the initial odds tend to be easy.

Before entering the first corner, the six horses had already completed their respective positions.

Amidst the flying dust, the herd of horses gradually formed a long line.

Slowly advancing along the predetermined route, Ochiai tilted his head and calmly observed the movements of his opponents.

It doesn't look like he's going to attack.

He tapped the horse's belly with his heel, and the white-eyed horse immediately understood the intention of the man on the saddle.

Then, the change that horse fans call "the magic of the escape" happened.

In actual competition, it is not easy to manipulate the rhythm of the horse.

In situations where the conversion is not ideal, commands can often only be given through the most direct means of "cracking the whip = accelerating" and "pulling the reins = slowing down".

The situation may become even more complicated if you happen to be riding a horse with a difficult temperament or poor training.

Being able to exert force in time when it is necessary to accelerate is considered a level of maneuverability that is above the passing line for a racehorse.

But Mudaishima can do much more than that.

Even without the rider's command, it can consciously adjust its pace.

He seems to have his own understanding of the game.

In a winnable game, the greater the hope you have for it, the greater the surprise you will often get.

In this pace magic created by man and horse together, the horse's part is obviously more important.

At least that's what Ochiai, a rider, thinks.

Almost at the moment the signal came, Mu Baima deliberately slowed down his pace.

However, the gap with the rear was not significantly narrowed.

Slow down when turning.

For most races, especially mud-track races, this is common sense.

Using the overall movement of the herd to hide subtle changes in rhythm works most of the time.

Today is no exception.

Even if a rider manages to detect a deliberate slowdown, he or she will soon find themselves in a dilemma.

For the 1600-meter-long Beidou Cup, accelerating at the very first bend is too early. Mu Baima's slow lead was maintained calmly until the end of the bend.

Entering the front straight line, the already loose queue became even longer.

Ochiai waved the reins and started to urge the horses along.

"Are you speeding up now, Medaihira?"

The live broadcast was full of cheers, and the commentator's speech speed also subconsciously increased.

There seemed to be a faint noise mixed in with the sound of hooves.

Ochiai used his peripheral vision to check the direction of the horses behind him.

Then, there was no more confusion in my heart.

Firmly occupying the inside route, we headed towards the third turn.

The noise was more real in his ears, but there was no fluctuation on the rider's face.

The last kick and burst are not Bai Ma's strong points at present.

Instead of using your disadvantaged side to participate in the last-leg competition, it is better to let the remaining leg strength play a greater role.

With this awareness, I started to spur on the bike in the middle and front part of the curve.

Amidst the white lights and gravel, the grayish-white figure expanded its lead.

The cheers grew louder and louder, and the rumbling of horse hooves approached the stands.

"Go, Pegasus!"

"We can't lose to them—"

The advantage of three horse lengths has been narrowed to within one horse length.

The powerful rhythm transmitted through the reins made Ochiai aware of his partner's intentions.

"It's not time to admit defeat yet!"

Placing all his trust in Medairo, Ochiai extended his arm.

The noise in my ears reached its peak the next moment.

"Escape and win! It's Medahiram from the third team!"

"The first stage of the Triple Crown is won by Medaipei!"

After crossing the finish line, Ochiai felt a subtle impulse surge in his chest.

He doesn't like overly ostentatious celebrations.

It has nothing to do with personality or the occasion, I just feel that such an action is meaningless.

Victory is victory. It will not disappear or be given any inexplicable meaning regardless of whether it is celebrated or not.

but--

Today, such an impulse has arisen.

It was a similar yet different impulse from the previous NEXT STAR - Kitanihon.

So the rider turned sideways to face the stands.

Then, he raised his index finger.

First crown

The declarative action was clearly captured by the screen of the broadcast vehicle.

Such scenes once again aroused an uproar among horse fans.

Some people were moved, some were excited, and some were satisfied after witnessing two victories.

The atmosphere in the venue became hot again.

Amidst the applause, the winning team arrived at the venue for the Kuchitori ceremony.

Holding the slightly shaking mouth rope, Xuhe Zhang couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion in his heart.

Last year, a full five of the eight two-year-olds produced by the ranch managed to escape the undefeated group.

After entering 2026, the expected rising period did not arrive.

The ranch's only two classic year victories were both won by Mudashi Baima, whom he had not initially favored.

"Could it be——"

"Does Mr. Kitano really have some incredible horse-viewing skills?"

Looking at the reed-haired horse's seemingly well-behaved eyes, the old man couldn't help but think so.

　Thanks to Yabai Desne for the 100 starting coins reward

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　　Ciallo～(∠ω<)⌒★
　　There are more than 100 million pieces of information to be looked up for the following plot, so there is only one update today.

　　Guo Ma Na Sai

　　
　
(End of this chapter)