Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 179 The Special Day

In the corridor of the teahouse, Sasakawa took out his cell phone and started calling someone.

Soon, Majima's curses came from the other end.

“Didn’t we agree that I would do it?”

"There are only a few hours left before the login deadline."

"What if President Kitano develops a bad impression of you?"

"Even if she's not with me, I hope she can go and see the scenery over there."

The rider's tone was as relaxed as usual, but his words were laced with strong emotion.

After a brief silence, there was a response.

"I am coming over now."

After saying this, the trainer hung up the phone in a hurry.

Putting the phone back in his pocket, he couldn't help but sigh.

Since last year, Sasakawa has almost always lived in Kobayashi on days when he doesn't have competitions.

By eating and living with the racehorses, we can increase our mutual understanding.

Decades ago, this practice was still common.

When Sasakawa offered to move in with Kobayashi, he was a little surprised, but he didn't object.

"Next time, I will definitely not go berserk again."

After the Heseker memorial, the trainer and rider issued a joint statement.

A declaration is something that has already been decided.

He was often frightened by the horses in the same stable, and would run away uncontrollably during almost every training session.

At first, Majima, like everyone else who saw Atalanta, never thought that this chestnut-haired pony would one day become his "special horse".

Just like when he was a rider, a racehorse appeared and left.

Atalanta, known as Mejiro, was just one of them.

Despite this, he still takes care of it like his own child.

This is the fool who chose to continue on this path, preferring horse racing to a comfortable life.

Perhaps, I will never encounter a horse that can win a big prize again.

but--

Majima quickly realized this during the meeting before officially joining the stable.

The chestnut color that flashed before my eyes was a rare talent in the career of a rider and trainer.

With an exaggerated smile, the trainer leaned over and greeted the chestnut horse.

"Hello, little girl from the Mejiro family."

He didn't know when it started, but even though he didn't realize it, looking at Atalanta's face had become a pleasure for him.

It is this petite horse that carries the hopes of new trainers.

When she won the Heisek Memorial with thousands of people cheering—

"Maybe this kid can really run on the grass."

Despite this, Mashima still hasn't made a decision.

If the results on grass are not satisfactory——

If you get hurt—

He only knew how to run at his own pace and hardly ever cooperated with the ideas of Sasakawa and his assistant trainers. Atalanta during training was such a troublesome horse.

but--

After returning to the stable after training, Atalanta was still the timid and naughty chestnut pony.

He likes to eat apples and carrots. Sometimes he sticks out his tongue and plays with the stable boys. He also behaves well when scolded.

He did not want Atalanta to rashly go to the grassland when she was still immature both physically and mentally.

"Bastard Sasakawa."

But, as the rider said.

Today is the registration deadline for the Tulip Viewing.

The final moment of decision has arrived.

"I'm so sorry, President."

Majima, who rushed over from the stable after opening the paper door, clasped his hands together and repeated words of apology on his flattering face.

Kitano just warmly invited him to sit down.

After filling the three people's cups with tea, he slowly spoke.

"That's right, tulip viewing is indeed not suitable."

There was a brief silence in the room.

“You’re right. Grass is too hard to work on.” Majima nodded repeatedly in agreement, while gently punching Sasagawa’s chest a few times.

The rider couldn't help but sigh and raised his hands in surrender.

At this time, Kitano took out his cell phone.

The two people at the opposite table raised their teacups at the same time and took the opportunity to secretly observe the expression on his face.

After a moment, Kitano put his phone away again.

The trainer and the rider simultaneously put down their teacups and lowered their heads in a gesture of confession.

"So that's what it is."

Kitano let out a soft sigh that sounded like a sigh.

Just now, I briefly checked the rules for the local horse racing classic.

In addition to taking priority in exiting the race through the preliminary battle like the Central Horse Racing, the local horse racing actually has another way to exit the classic race -

Won the Central 3-Year-Old Grass Prize.

However, there are still two options to consider.

On February 7, the 11th race in Kyoto, the 1800-meter Kisaragi.

Then on February 13th, the 11th Tokyo race, the 1600m Baihua Cup.

As specially designated races for communication between the central and local governments, both events allow a maximum of two local racehorses to enter the race in the form of a bounty order.

There was another moment of silence.

"How about trying the Kisaragi Shogi for this next race?"

Taking into account the three advisory committee members' evaluation of Atalanta's range, Kitano finally chose the longer-range Rugetsu-sho.

"Ruyue.Shang?"

The trainer and the rider looked at each other in confusion.

After realizing what was happening, Majima widened his eyes somewhat exaggeratedly.

Sasakawa's shoulders shook, and the tense expression disappeared from his face.

But soon, the two of them returned to their serious expressions.

As trainers and riders, they are naturally familiar with the rules regarding running away.

If you treat Rugetsu-sho as a pier, you only have one chance.

This is a must-win game.

"Understood! The additional registration fee for the cherry blossom viewing will be paid by the stables—"

Kitano interrupted the excited trainer with a smile and asked, "For the time being, how about we just aim for the Kisaragi Award?"

"no problem!"

The trainer and rider straightened their backs at the same time and shouted out extremely loudly.

"Then I'll leave it to you two."

Standing up from his seat, Kitano bowed to the two people in front of him.

Majima and Sasagawa quickly returned the greeting before picking up the slightly cold teacups.

After lunch, we finally left Chiba smoothly.

On the way to the airport, I received a call from Hotan.

While feeling thankful that he was taking a taxi instead of the train this time, he glanced at the screen of his phone.

On the other end of the phone, Wada's tone showed a rare ups and downs as he asked Kitano about the Australian horse racing industry.

Although I was not quite sure about the other party's intention, I still answered the question seriously.

Nothing is hidden about what is known about Australian racing, neither the good nor the bad.

At the end of the call, Wada repeatedly expressed his gratitude.

"President Kitano has been a real help."

"Don't worry, it's just a small matter."

As he spoke, the outline of the airport gradually enlarged in his sight.

After putting down his phone, Kitano breathed a sigh of relief.

It's busy time again.

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

"【Three-year-old horse intelligence】

Famous General Laurel → Tulip Appreciation

Mejiro Atalanta → Kisaragi

——《n○tkeiba》

　Chapter 2: Late
　　
　
(End of this chapter)