Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 144 The Little Chestnut-haired Fugitive

On the evening of July 10, at Oi Racecourse.

The heat accumulated throughout the day made the ground scorching hot.

So-called antiperspirant patches or antiperspirant sprays are of little use in such hot weather.

Before entering the racecourse from the north gate reserved for stakeholders, I took a quick look at the parking lot.

Because it was not a day for big rewards, there seemed to be quite a few spots left.

Although it is a parking lot exclusively for related parties, people other than horse owners and those associated with the racecourse can also use it.

Therefore, when a big reward is held, even runaway horse owners have no choice but to choose taxis and other means of transportation.

As for horse owners like Kitano who took the monorail to watch the race—

There should still be a few.

Even when walking in the shade of trees, the wind was still mixed with an annoying warmth.

I'm afraid tonight will be another tropical night.

As I walked past the specialty paper store, sweat started to pour out.

When we arrived at the reviewing ground, there were only a few scattered figures in the vast space.

The venue, which is large enough to accommodate the surging crowds of the Tokyo Grand Prix, now seems a little deserted.

After all, it was a day with only the New Horse Race and the Class Race—

Thinking of this, Kitano quickly walked to the front of the railing.

After showing the horse owner certificate to the uncle in charge of security, he successfully entered the appearance circle seat reserved for horse owners.

But I soon regretted it.

The Ma chairperson's seat in the appearance circle of the Dajing Stadium is absolutely ingenious, set like the filling in a sandwich between the railing and the standing seats.

“I can’t even see what’s ahead!”

The old man who owned the horse sitting next to me let out such a mournful cry while wiping the sweat from his forehead.

So before the official appearance circle began, Kitano stood up and left for the standing seats.

"If you come in again, you'll still need to show proof of ownership."

The security guard said jokingly while leaning against the railing.

"It's really strict——"

As he said this, Kitano took out a parasol from his sports bag.

The clothes she wears are naturally sporty and breathable.

In weather like this, it takes a lot of courage to dress even a little formally.

"Ah, young man—"

Several old ladies who seemed to be horse owners also gave him pointing and criticizing looks.

"Are you from Kyoto?"

He asked in the direction of the old woman.

Then, he opened the parasol and walked around to the side near the rider's preparation room.

After a while, rider Sasakawa, wearing a yellow-red right-side-striped victory uniform, walked out of the preparation room with a whip under his clasp.

"I'll leave you to it today."

Putting away the parasol, Kitano bowed to the rider.

"Ah, please take care of me!"

Sasakawa, who was originally joking with the rider next to him, stopped smiling and bowed slightly in return.

When I raised my head, I saw a maroon figure in front of me.

Despite the stable boy's constant attempts to comfort her, Atalanta still tucked her tail between her legs and showed her three white eyes.

With the help of the stable attendant, Sasakawa climbed onto the horse's back and nodded slightly to Kitano and Majima on the sidelines.

The feeling on horseback wasn't particularly bad.

Of course, it's not much better.

Although I have ridden the horse several times during tests and training, I am still not sure whether I can control it smoothly in an official competition.

Before this, there was also the idea that "it would be better for this kid to run in the starting position."

However, after a pre-race discussion among the owner, trainer and rider, they decided to use a running method that follows the rider's temperament in the new horse race.

Regarding this, I have already apologized to Kitanoma-sama along with Majima-senpai who made the boast without permission.

As for Kitano's feelings—it's not surprising at all.

After all, he was watching Atalanta when she was still being tamed.

Just getting such a timid horse onto the track is already a difficult task.

Watching the figures of the man and the horse disappear into the distance with some worry, Kitano slipped into the "L-WING" stands as if escaping.

After the renovation in 30, the "L-WING" stand was reborn as the largest illumination attraction in the Kanto region.

Although I was unable to see the famous light show at Oi Racecourse, the distance between the stands and the reviewing ground was not too far.

This is really helpful for horse owners who come to watch the race on a hot day.

Moreover, the finish line is right in front of the seats, and the display screen on the table allows you to clearly observe the direction of the race.

however--

The evening sun easily penetrated the huge glass windows in front of me, and even in the air-conditioned room, I could feel the stuffiness in the air.

He took out a towel from his sports bag and wiped the sweat off his face, his eyes fixed on the small display screen.

As the red warning light came on, five running horses ran out of the gate one after another.

The 1200m two-year-old horse race in the sixth race of Ooi started out in a somewhat chaotic manner from the start.

"Oh!"

A loud sigh came from behind Kitano.

The old horse owner, whom I had just met at the parade ground, was banging his head hard.

"So it's your beloved horse that's late."

In comparison, Atalanta's small bite after leaving the gate was nothing.

Almost the moment the gate opened, the small chestnut-haired figure jumped to the front.

He walked forward without hesitation, as if he was running away from something.

"It's definitely a bite—"

Kitano leaned closer to the screen, staring at the reins that were obviously stretched straight between the rider's palms, and couldn't help but think.

The third and fourth turns, the pace was smooth all the way.

As if she wanted to leave her opponent and fear behind, Atalanta did not relax her pace at all.

Go forward, and forward again, until even the shadow can't catch up.

The moment they crossed the finish line, similar emotions emerged in the hearts of horse owners, trainers and riders.

Emotions that are more subtle than simple joy or frustration.

Anyway, I still won—

"I lost after all."

The old man behind him sighed with regret.

In a short-distance race, it would be abnormal to win even if you are late.

With his sports bag on his back, Kitano walked towards the exit of the stands.

When they arrived at the site of the Kuchi-dori ceremony, Atalanta seemed to still be fighting with the stable boy.

In the area between the main track and the Kuchidori ceremony, the chestnut horse stopped as if frightened by something, and refused to move forward no matter how hard they pulled.

"Then let's stay here."

Seeing Atalanta's front hooves firmly stuck in the sand, the few people had no choice but to shake their heads and accept the place it chose.

Sasagawa patted the chestnut horse's wet neck, took off his bib number and walked towards Kitano.

"I'm sorry, President. I didn't hold her back."

The rider lowered his head in shame.

"This is also impossible."

Lifting a corner of the bib number, Kitano patted his shoulder and said.

Horse racing is something that is difficult to precisely control by human factors.

On the other side of the Kuchidori rope, Majima wiped the sweat dripping from his forehead, his face showing a complex expression of mixed emotions.

Behind him, Ishikawa Rider, wearing the Doroki Akaboshi San Victory Suit, raised the commemorative plaque in his hand.

[celebration]

【50 wins achieved!!】