Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 183: Sword Swung at Incheon
"Thank you so much, really!"

"No, this is my side."

Although it sounds like a polite remark, it is actually exactly this feeling.

Two hours had passed since the commendation ceremony, but Majima still couldn't help but shed tears when recalling the scene.

It’s not like I haven’t won important races as a jockey, but this time the feeling as a trainer is completely different.

For the rider’s side, winning is winning.

It is such pure joy.

But what I felt today was an emotion far more complex than victory.

On the other side, Kitano, who had recovered from the aftermath of the game, gradually regained his composure.

Winning the game is certainly a cause for celebration, but the problems exposed during the game are also inevitably disturbing.

"Even to the end, Atalanta still had some strength left."

This is the report from the saddle rider Sasakawa.

During the oral ceremony, Atalanta even stuck out her tongue playfully.

From the post-race examination, both the physical and mental exhaustion of the horse were slightly lower than originally expected.

Despite being nearly apprehended by Bakhta on the back straight, Atalanta showed no signs of stalling.

There were not too many problems with the riding delivered by the rider, and it was even enough to be called the standard escape horse answer for the Kyoto 1800 meters.

What was finally shown was a game that could be called thrilling.

As for the reason, it is actually not difficult to find out.

The first part of the race was at a standard, fast pace, but due to the uphill part the pace slowed down slightly, and the latecomers also gained strength.

One of the reasons is that the strategy set by the camp before the game was not flexible enough.

However, Atalanta's lack of explosive power cannot be ignored.

"We still have to turn the competition into a battle of endurance—"

Kitano once again recalled the advice of the advisory group.

"Three more beers, please."

He turned and waved to the waiter.

Then, I took a bite of the tempura.

The taste is a little bland, but the outer layer is quite crispy.

However, it is also possible that his tongue is still reminiscent of the taste of victory.

"Mashima-senpai, he's almost done, right?"

Sasakawa raised a few fingers and waved them in front of the trainer half-jokingly.

"I'm fine!"

As if hiding something, Majima reached out his chopsticks and picked up a large piece of eggplant denga.

Then, he took a bite of it, including the chili on top.

“So spicy, so spicy!”

The horse trainer was choked and burst into tears.

Looking at the funny grin on Majima's face, the two people beside him couldn't help but laugh out loud.

A new round of beer arrived at the table, and the three of them first clinked the rims of their glasses in tacit understanding.

When I put the cup down, the bottom of the glass hit the table and made a "knock" sound.

Including the tearful Majima, the expressions of the three of them unconsciously became more serious.

Next, it’s time to discuss serious matters.

"Then let's go see the cherry blossoms."

Kitano spoke first.

Neither the trainer nor the rider was surprised by the decision.

This was a tacit understanding reached in advance.

If you win the Kisaragi Award, aim for the Sakura Award.

They each nodded silently.

Then, a trace of distress crossed Majima's face.

In this game, Atalanta's physical exhaustion was not as serious as expected.

While it's undoubtedly a good thing, this also makes the two-month gap somewhat delicate. How to keep Atalanta focused during those two months—

For a new horse trainer, this is a truly daunting task.

On the rider's side, Sasakawa, who had just won a big prize on the grass with Atalanta, was also brewing new considerations.

How to better ride Atalanta?
This thought has been lingering in my mind for a long time since last year.

Not long ago, a seemingly remarkable answer was delivered at 1800 meters on the grass in Kyoto.

"It's not enough!"

For the top-of-the-generation classics, a level of "standard" alone is not enough to win.

We must do more.

Judging from the track conditions, the 1600-meter route on the outer circle of Hanshin Racecourse cannot be said to be favorable.

Atalanta's strengths as a classic battle horse lie in her ability to handle complex terrain thanks to her supple legs, as well as her endurance and cardiopulmonary function, which are rare for mares.

The Hanshin track is the exact opposite.

In addition to the steep and gentle third and fourth turns, the Hanshin Outer Ring also has the longest 473.6-meter straight line on the right-hand track.

The back section of the straight line is a slope with a height difference of 1.6 meters, which is almost a big disadvantage for the camp with the leading tactics.

This is a track where there is no room for luck and victory depends on strength.

The cherry blossom viewing at Hanshin Racecourse is just such a race.

After today's horse riding ended, Sasakawa decisively overturned all his previous expectations.

"If you run the cherry blossom viewing at a normal pace, you will definitely lose."

With this realization in mind, Sasakawa slowly spoke.

"President, I want to try a faster pace next time."

Majima quickly put down the skewers in his hand, puffed out his cheeks and nodded his head continuously.

As a former rider, trainer Majima will not interfere too much in the specific riding procedures.

Because I have personally experienced the pressure on riders, I hope they can be as relaxed as possible and focus on the competition.

On-the-spot tactics are certainly important, but thinking while riding is the norm for riders.

and--

While enjoying the cherry blossoms, try running a little more vigorously.

This is also his opinion.

"Then let's do it!"

Kitano nodded and answered very readily.

When the camp's considerations are consistent with the advisory group's recommendations, there is no reason to object.

"I'll continue to rely on you two during the cherry blossom viewing."

As he spoke, he raised his glass again.

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

"【Fly——Local Dream】

With a domineering final kick that cut through the heavy rain, the mare's dominance in the Rose Derby after 38 years, amid the cheers of 60,000 people at the end of the year, shattered all suspense and doubts, and swept the wind of change across the generation.

What we unexpectedly encounter with our dreams is a challenge full of courage.

Perfect--

It’s not something that comes naturally.”

——NAR Biographies of Famous Marxists
No.1 Mejiro Sakuya (Reiwa 9)

"【Moon Appreciation】

The four popular players successfully escaped from Atalanta and won the Kisaragi Award.

Kitano Yukima's owner has paid 200 million yen for the additional registration fee for the cherry blossom viewing.

Majima Daisuke

“She is in great shape, her temperamental issues have improved, and overall she delivered a good performance.

I hope to run a race that lives up to the owner’s trust while the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

——《n○tkeiba》

　Chapter 2: Late
　　
　
(End of this chapter)