Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 139: Thoughts on the Ranch

The morning weather forecast shows that there is an 80% chance of rain today.

On the way here, thick lead-gray clouds had already filled the entire sky.

Wrapped up in this gloomy atmosphere, even his movements unconsciously became a little hurried.

Grabbing the souvenirs on the passenger seat, Kitano pushed open the car door with a click.

In the grazing area, several one-year-old foals were looking curiously at us through the fence.

When I glanced over, they seemed to be frightened and ran away, hiding behind their companions.

"excuse me--"

As the greeting came, the person had already stepped into the entrance hall.

As I was bending down to take off my shoes, I heard footsteps coming from the direction of the living room.

"Good morning, Mr. Kitano."

Ogawa Kana greeted with a smile.

"Good morning, this is a souvenir from Australia."

Kitano said as he shook the wrapped gift box in his hand.

"Could it be kangaroo jerky again?"

The girl took the gift box and winked mischievously.

After Zep came back from Australia, he stuffed huge packages of vacuum-packed kangaroo meat jerky to all his acquaintances like handing out flyers.

It is said that even his father who was far away in Germany was not spared.

Kitano had the opportunity to experience the lethality of this thing in Australia.

Of course, it’s not entirely unwelcome.

It is said that due to its low fat content, it is surprisingly popular among fitness enthusiasts.

However, for ordinary people's taste buds, the taste of kangaroo meat is really hard to describe.

As if trying to distance himself from Zepu, Kitano quickly waved his hand.

"Just some honey or something."

Considering that the person to whom the gift was given might have allergies, he did not consider more distinctive local products such as macadamia nuts or papaya paste when choosing souvenirs.

In comparison, honey, which has a probability of causing allergies in adults of only 1 to 2 in 10,000, is much safer.

"Oh, it's Kitano-kun here."

On the sofa, Ogawa Jō raised his eyes and smiled.

"From now on, we'll be neighbors."

The old man asked Kitano to sit down and said.

Nishiken Ranch and Takamura Ranch - and soon Mejiro Ranch - are separated by a national highway and can be reached in just five minutes by car.

Of course, if you walk, it will take about half an hour.

However, in Hokkaido, this level of distance is really no different from being a neighbor.

"Please take good care of me."

Kitano stood up again and bowed slightly.

"Haha, small problem, small problem!"

Ogawa Jō smiled and waved his hand, then asked curiously, "Kitano-kun, haven't you started thinking about decorating yet? You can actually start preparing now."

Although some of the procedures are still under approval, as long as both parties to the transaction have no objection, the ranch renovation can be put on the agenda.

"Not that fast."

When talking about the ranch renovation, Kitano's expression became a little subtle.

On the transformation plan, he tried to seek advice from "Australian Mourinho" Mahanya.

The mad horse trainer showed incredible enthusiasm for this. In addition to giving advice, he also took the initiative to take charge of the design of the ranch renovation blueprint.

"Mejiro Corporation will be CMR's most important partner in the Northern Hemisphere besides Yu Darong."

Ma Han-Ching repeatedly mentioned this during the phone call. However, Kitano believed their relationship hadn't reached that point yet.

However, he still commissioned CMR to design the ranch renovation plan with the mentality of giving it a try.

Soon they sent a complete set of ranch renovation plans - just as Ma Hanya promised on the phone.

It is said that the first version designed by an Australian horse trainer was quite amazing, but before it could be sent over, it was rejected by his development consultant and design team.

What was finally sent was a set of renovation plans that Ma Hanya described as "not up to standard":
A row of three P (Perfect) stables and a double stable of twelve E (Excellent) stables, along with related functional areas
A rehabilitation training center that includes a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, hydrotherapy room, treadmill room, and data monitoring room

Top-grade breeding warehouse with integrated steel frame and Polytrack G4 buffer layer
A living area consisting of ten townhouses and five independent houses

· Well-decorated theme shops and horse racing museum
Even with this "bankruptcy version" of the plan, the total cost easily exceeded US$350 million.

However, this plan does perfectly meet the requirements of a "production and sightseeing ranch with inter-seasonal grazing and recuperation functions."

If the assets that can be exchanged for the amulets are also taken into account, Kitano can afford the huge cost of renovation.

Of course, it is impossible to carry out the reconstruction according to this plan completely.

No matter how passionate you are about horse racing, if you don't know how to make multiple preparations like Inaba's white rabbit, you will suffer a big loss sooner or later.

After cutting out the twelve E-class stables and breeding warehouses that are temporarily unused in the plan, Ma Hanya also expressed his willingness to transfer some of the overly expensive rehabilitation facilities at a depreciated price.

The final renovation cost was $268 million.

If the cost is distributed over each stage, it is not an unbearable expense.

Of course, even if the transformation plan is preliminarily confirmed, it is not so easy to start right away.

Both the feasibility assessment of the plan and the preliminary construction exploration require a certain amount of time.

Especially considering that some facilities still need the arrival of the Australian team before formal construction can begin.

"As for me, I still plan to invest in the renovation in stages."

After taking the hot tea brought by Ogawa Kana and thanking her quietly, Kitano continued.

"Renovation in stages is a good approach."

Ogawa Jō held the teacup in both hands and nodded.

After that, the three of them chatted about various topics.

"Mr. Kitano, would you like to try to go to this year's breeding mare auction?"

Ogawa Kana asked in a low voice while pouring tea into Kitano's cup.

"Thank you."

After nodding slightly, Kitano said, "I won't go this year."

Even without considering the potential large expenditures on purchasing the ranch and the subsequent renovations, he also had little interest in the remaining mares on the ranch.

"It focuses on support functions between seasons, and takes an elite approach in production."

This was Kitano's early plan for the ranch.

If we really can't find any mare resources worth purchasing, it won't be too late to start production management after Sakuya retires.

Before that, just focus on building facilities, recruiting personnel and increasing reputation.

"It's better not to go, so as not to waste a few days."

An expression of understanding appeared on Ogawa Jō's face, and Ogawa Kanna beside him also nodded like a kitten as if to confirm.

Afterwards, the three of them drank tea and talked a lot of gossip about the ranch.

By the time Kitano returned to Shinkansen Town, raindrops had already started to fall sporadically.

"We're moving soon—"

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(Same) MEJIRO Business has reposted

"A tribute to our new friend @MejiroShoji in the Northern Hemisphere"

——Ciaron Maher Racing
　I had food poisoning today and vomited almost the entire day. I only have one update.
　　The layout and typos can only be corrected tomorrow morning.
　　Please forgive me, readers.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)