Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 169: Conversation between Horse Breeders
Through the window of a train speeding along the Musashino Line, the white clouds in the clear blue sky are clearly visible as if they were carved out.

The gloom that lasted until the morning had disappeared, replaced by a rare sunny winter day.

Christmas is in four days.

Kitano leaned lazily against the car door and yawned noticeably.

In addition to maintaining the ranch's operations, he has been busy since December planning breeding for the coming year.

Compared to when I was just a horse owner, I have become much busier.

but--

Doing what you want to do and what you should do, this feeling is surprisingly good.

Of course, both the body and mind were squeezed even more thoroughly.

As for why he came to the mansion during his rare free time—

Today, a breeder talk show will be held at the Nakayama Racecourse as a warm-up for the Arima Memorial.

As a young horse breeder who recently opened his business, Kitano unexpectedly received an invitation to the conversation.

The other interlocutor was Mr. Teruya Yoshida, the representative of Shadai Ranch.

Of course, in such performance-heavy occasions, it is difficult for either party to make any substantive remarks.

"Next stop, Funabashi Hodo Station, Funabashi Hodo Station."

I cheered myself up a little and walked out of the station into the sparse crowd.

"Eh?"

When I raised my phone, I was a little surprised.

There seems to be a tunnel inside the station that leads directly to the Zhongshan Racecourse.

"Turns are more convenient, aren't they?"

However, re-entering the station is a bit troublesome.

So, take a step forward.

It's been a long time since I've experienced the feeling of measuring the city with my own legs.

There were not many pedestrians on the road which took more than ten minutes at noon on Monday.

The road surface is also very flat, and walking is not as difficult as in snow-covered Hokkaido.

Slowly walked from the alley into the main road.

After turning the corner and leaving the residential area, there were gradually more pedestrians.

From the intersection where Yoshinoya is located, cross the cross-roads and the main entrance of the racecourse is not far away.

As we walked to the main entrance, we were immediately greeted by the staff who had been waiting there since early morning.

The leaves on the very famous Kawazu cherry tree have all fallen, leaving only bare branches.

Looking through the gaps between the branches towards the inside of the racecourse, only the bushes on both sides of the road and the track on the other side barely showed any signs of green.

On the other side of the view is the Hesek statue, which is slightly different from the Oi.

"As expected of the original idol horse—"

It left a very deep mark both at the local and central levels.

His eyes lingered briefly on the statue, and then he followed the staff member.

The conversation took place in the reviewing ground behind the statue, where a considerable number of reporters were already prepared.

Kitano saw the old man surrounded by the crowd from afar.

Amid the sound of shutter clicks, Teruya Yoshida had a smile on his face and occasionally made a few playful jokes with the reporters.

Stopping at a distance, Kitano nodded slightly and greeted him in a rather calm manner.

On the contrary, Yoshida Teruya's side seemed quite enthusiastic.

"Please give me your guidance, Mr. Xing."

Having said this, the thin old man took the initiative to extend his hand.

"Same here, Mr. Yoshida."

Kitano smiled and shook hands back, and the sound of "click" kept ringing in his ears.

Even if there has not been much interaction before, or even if there is some bad feeling, in certain situations they will put on a disguise like a raccoon cat.

This is exactly what is meant by polite talk.

The conversation took the form of reporters asking questions and two ranch representatives answering them, and it was impossible to know in advance what questions might be asked.

It is an occasion that requires improvisation.

"The Arima Festival is coming up soon, Mr. Yoshida. What are your expectations for this year's Arima Festival?"

The reporter first asked questions to Teruya Yoshida.

"If we can win at a year-end festival like this, the whole year will be much more fulfilling."

"So, after all, I still want to win the game."

The old man answered the first question with a smile.

Then, the reporter turned his attention to Kitano.

"Mr. Kitano, would you consider having Mejiro Sakuya participate in the Arima Festival next year or the year after?" Despite having announced her participation in the Tokyo Grand Prix beforehand, Mejiro Sakuya, as a local horse, still ranked eleventh in the Arima Festival vote.

In terms of popularity, he is already at the level where he can play the leading role in a Taiga drama.

"I see, the Arima Kinen is indeed a race not to be missed."

Kitano held the microphone and nodded with a smile.

"However, as for the racing, I still need to discuss it with the trainer before making any decisions, so I can't say anything about it right now."

Of course, in reality, no matter what the considerations are, Mejiro Sakuya, who is not suited to grass, will not be allowed to run the Arima Kinen.

"If Mr. Xing participates in the competition, I will have a headache."

Yoshida Teruya narrowed his eyes and said jokingly.

There was laughter among the reporters.

Then, the two were asked some questions outside of the competition in turn.

When it came to the part involving veterinary medicine and ranch construction, even Teruya Yoshida opened his narrowed eyes and revealed a serious expression.

"Oh, if only I had studied veterinary medicine."

After Kitano put down the microphone, Teruya Yoshida took over the topic as if he was performing a manzai.

"It's a pity that a fool like me can't learn anything."

The old man tilted his head slightly and put on an exaggerated helpless expression.

There was another burst of laughter.

Using jokes to liven up the atmosphere is probably the industry's social skill.

"Mr. Kitano, Mejiro Ranch finally has another breeding mare. Congratulations."

The owner of the voice was a pretty female reporter.

Kitano nodded slightly, thanked the reporter, and waited for the reporter's next words.

"From the information released by the ranch, she seems to be a very beautiful girl. Mr. Kitano, can you tell us more about her?"

After thinking for a while, Kitano raised the microphone.

"That's right, I was fascinated by her at first sight."

Having said that, he turned his head slightly and glanced at the old man next to him.

If Mr. Yoshida hadn't snatched Ways And Means from him, he wouldn't have had the chance to perform such a dazzling move.

"But when I saw the bill, I was shocked. I almost thought I would have to travel all the way back to Japan."

Although he had a serious expression on his face, the joke still made the reporters and staff laugh out loud.

"I heard you're planning to breed Dazzling Move with Prolific Master next year, is that right?"

The female reporter continued to ask.

It’s really troublesome.

I sighed slightly inwardly.

When he raised the microphone, the old man next to him also looked at him.

"Rodin is a superstar who has always delivered eye-catching performances in all competitions throughout his career. He is truly special."

After a brief pause, Kitano continued, "He's very talented, very athletic, very intelligent, and he has a lot of personality. I hope he can pass these qualities on to the next generation of foals."

"He has a great stride, very well proportioned body and incredible balance, all of which we look for in a racehorse."

After the reporters' attention was gradually distracted, Kitano tried to steer the topic in a more relaxed direction.

"Of course, he can be a bit capricious at times, and financially speaking, those who have bet on the races will probably be worried about watching the races."

Amidst laughter, he raised the microphone again.

"But this way, the cost of breeding has finally reached a level that I can afford."

Teruya Yoshida raised his hands and applauded along with the reporters, but the smile on his face disappeared without him noticing.

------------

"['Fighting Spirit' Rider Wada Ryuji retires]

JRA rider Ryuji Wada will retire on December 29, 2020 (Tuesday).

The rider, who has experienced many ups and downs, will begin his second career after the G1 Tokyo Grand Prix, which starts on the same day.

——Tokyo City Racing (TCK)

"[@nar_keiba：

【Wada Ryuji Rider Retirement Style】

Rider Ryuji Wada's retirement ceremony will be broadcast live on YouTube's "NAR Official Channel" at approximately 4:00 PM on Tuesday, the 29th (JRA Official Channel will also broadcast the ceremony simultaneously)!

The live broadcast room will open the chat function, please send your comments to Ryuji Hetian↓

youtube.com/@nar_keiba?si=PVEd-IVxTka2UN_D】”

- National Association of Racing (NAR) Formula

　Chapter Two Later
　　
　
(End of this chapter)