Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 18 A Showdown of Difference

"It's time to go."

Ochiai said as he gently patted his partner's neck.

Medo Hirama shook his head in response.

The time is 5:25 in the afternoon.

The game will start in five minutes.

There was a slight tingling sensation on the inside of his thigh, but he thought his arms were still strong enough.

At least I can finish this race.

"Maybe there's no need to be too hasty at the beginning."

There was a light rain not long ago, and the bulletin board showed that the situation was slightly heavier.

Unlike grass, in clay events such a surface is more conducive to the development of a fast pace.

In the previous six games, three of the winners were located near the center.

"I'm counting on you today too!"

The figure in the black suit bent down and said.

"Please leave it to me."

Ochiai also responded solemnly to the horse owner's expectations.

After completing this series of actions, Kitano returned to the stands.

This time, a group of young people also gathered in front of the stands.

Moreover, the number seems to be a little more than last time.

"The third Kaga Tide, the fourth edition of White Horse, the fifth edition."

On the radio, the live broadcast was still slowly announcing the horse racing numbers.

Mudaiba walked into the gate with his head shaking.

Ochiai didn't pay too much attention to this seemingly restless behavior.

Although he sometimes has a childish side on weekdays, Medo Hirama is the type who can switch to a serious state in time.

Sure enough, after entering the gate, the Mubai horse quickly changed into another appearance. Even if the racehorses near the gate kept looking around, it was difficult to distract its attention.

"The seventh match of Monbetsu, Makayama Special."

"The last one to enter the gate was Kaga Tide, at gate number three."

After releasing the leash, the last stable boy ran to the side of the track, covering his yellow helmet.

The gate popped open the next second.

"Game start!"

This time, the live broadcast also failed to react.

Ochiai immediately chose to move closer to the inside.

In a race with only six horses, choosing the route becomes much simpler.

At the same time, the competition in the initial stage will become more intense.

The three horses on the outside simultaneously attacked the inside track.

Kaga Shio of the Third Division had no intention of giving up his position, and the rider Agishi on the saddle took a very determined defensive stance.

"This is getting a bit troublesome."

Ochiai raised his head and saw that the Iwahashi rider in the front had already whipped his horse and was already a clear distance away.

At the outermost position, A Letang from the sixth squad followed suit unwillingly.

It is likely to turn into a fast-paced unfolding.

After making a judgment, Ochiai gave up the attack attempt and chose to follow behind Kaga Shio to conserve his energy.

Just a slight pull of the reins and the white horse immediately understood and started running at a more even pace.

The competition in the initial round finally came to an end.

"First-ranked Eishin Kouki is in the lead, maintaining a lead of about half a body length. Behind him is sixth-ranked Alakdo, who is about four body lengths behind third-ranked Kaga Shio. Following behind is fourth-ranked Medaipei, and the last one left is..."

"If you stay so far back, won't it be difficult to catch up later?"

In the stands, Kitano was trying to stand on tiptoe and look into the field.

Now, he is no longer a beginner who knows nothing about horse racing.

It is precisely because of this that I feel nervous about Medaima who falls in the middle of the group from the beginning.

"That's not the case, Mr. Kitano. Today's match is different from the last one. We're going to be playing at a faster pace!"

Compared to Kitano, Ogawa Masaru with his calm expression seems to be the more mature one.

"At a fast pace, the horses in the front of the pack take on greater physical effort, while the horses in the middle and rear can take advantage of the situation and gain a greater advantage with a sufficient last kick on the final straight line."

Ogawa Katsu explained calmly, and Kitano's expression turned somewhat confused. "Is that really true?"

He asked somewhat doubtfully.

"If you don't believe me, just wait and see. At the latest by the fourth turn, Ochiai will start to exert his strength."

Ogawa Katsu pointed confidently towards the field.

Kitano looked towards the racetrack and saw that the two horses leading the race had visibly slowed down.

Even the Rock Bridge rider's continuous whipping was of no avail.

The Rock Bridge rider with the white hat on his head could only watch helplessly as the herd of horses behind him closed the distance.

“It’s time to exert force.”

Even before Ochiai gave the signal, Medairo Hakuba had already started the final leg of the race after entering the third turn.

So, he skipped the step of whipping and concentrated all his energy on controlling the reins.

When I turned, the pain on the inner thigh suddenly intensified.

no--

Ochiai pursed his lips tightly.

At least not yet.

He struggled to raise his arms.

Use all your strength to push forward.

The white horse came to the first place with the bit in its mouth.

Huge cheers came from the stands.

Retracting his arms, Ochiai prepared to push out a second time.

Then, his butt fell uncontrollably onto Mu Baima's back.

The next moment, he jumped up again as if he had been electrocuted.

With this momentum, I finally successfully launched the second one.

In terms of strength, it has become a little too soft.

"This should be enough, right?"

Ochiai thought breathlessly as he passed the furlong mark of 200 meters.

At this moment, a burst of rapid whip sounds exploded in my ears like thunder.

He broke out in a cold sweat instantly.

At the edge of sight, the Kaga tide, which had already been overtaken, was gradually approaching.

He gritted his teeth and raised his already weak arms.

The scene of your butt bouncing up and down on the horse's back would probably be very ugly.

However, I no longer have the energy to care about it.

With similar embarrassing postures, the two pairs started the final showdown before the finish line.

"Is it Medairo? Is it Medairo? Or is it Kaga Shio? Can Kaga Shio still catch up?!"

Sweat dripped down his forehead and Ochiai blinked.

The game is over.

"Kaga Shio! It's Kaga Shio! Kaga Shio's move!"

A uniform sigh came from the stands.

Turning his head with some difficulty, Ochiai saw the banner with "MEJIRO" written on it.

"I'm so sorry."

Thinking of this, my nails unconsciously dug into my palms.

"Pity."

Kitano also let out a sigh.

He waved his fist unwillingly.

However, I didn't feel as depressed as I had imagined.

Both Pegasus and Ochiai Rider had done their best.

On the other hand, Ogawa Masaru held his head tightly, like a gambler who had bet 100 million yen on Medaipei.

"Damn it! It was just a little bit off!"

“If only the straight line were shorter!”

(End of this chapter)