Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 202 Deer Hair and Deer Hair

In the eight-mat Japanese-style room, Kitano opened the cabinet door, took out the teapot and two teacups, and then unscrewed the tea can.

"What do you think of Yamyouyulu?"

"Oh! It's such a high-quality tea. I'd be very grateful."

"No, it's just something you drink, so please just try it."

Among the people who visit the ranch, there are many traditional people who like to drink tea.

So in addition to various beverages that suit the tastes of the new generation, tea is also prepared as a treat.

As for Kitano himself, he actually prefers cheap drinks like barley tea that he can drink in big gulps.

After preparing the tea, he turned on the power of the kettle.

"Mr. Yokoyama is very knowledgeable about tea."

"No, I've only learned a little bit from the internet and TV shows. I'm still far from being an expert."

"I'm a complete layman here."

"How about giving half of Soma's vision to Tea Ceremony?"

"Please spare me this kind of thing."

There was a "click" sound and the switch of the kettle tripped.

Scald the tea set with boiling water, then pour some into the teapot to warm it.

The first brew of tea is poured directly into the tea tray.

"It's also very hard on the rider's side."

Without continuing the previous topic, Kitano said with some emotion.

"Yeah, it's just like playing golf. It looks like there's only one swing, but there's actually a process before that, like aiming and calculating."

Speaking of this, a hint of curiosity appeared in Lao Hengshan's eyes again.

"What does horse racing look like, Mr. Yuki?"

Although he is only a three-year horse owner and an even new breeder, Kitano and his newly emerged Mejiro Army have gained considerable fame worldwide.

Old Yokoyama was secretly looking forward to his answer.

"Sports, the practitioners are all hardworking people."

After pouring the brewed hot tea into their cups, Kitano replied in a slightly relaxed tone.

"I see—come to think of it, there were trainers who tried to use the experience they gained from football to manage stables."

"From my perspective, horse racing is more like Formula One racing."

"Formula racing..."

Old Hengshan nodded slightly, but his face showed some hesitation.

Although he had heard of it a little, he didn't know much about this sport.

"Simply put, it's about racing cars built within the constraints of a common rules framework."

"Oh, it does sound a bit similar."

So the two of them sat opposite each other at the table, drinking tea and chatting about Formula One racing, which was gradually unrelated to horse racing.

On the other side, Takeshi, accompanied by Kikuchi, visited the stables at the ranch.

"So, Sakuya-chan is actually the opposite of the rumored one, an overhand type?"

Takeshi asked this question as he leaned over slightly to greet Mejiro Sakuya in the stable.

Most horse racing commentators outside the field have described Mejiro Sakuya as having a poor start, sluggish temperament, no form, and difficulty controlling weight.

However, the riders who have ridden her before have the exact opposite opinion of Mejiro Sakuya.

It's hard not to notice such subtle differences.

"I'm not that good at opening the gate, but thanks to Mr. Ogawa at the breeding ranch, my basic abilities, including opening the gate, are at least above average."

Putting away the tablet in his hand, Kikuchi replied with a smile.

Although she had not been at the ranch for long, after some effort she had a rough idea of ​​the temperament of each horse.

Of course, this is also inseparable from the enthusiastic cooperation of several old employees.

"Besides—Sakuya isn't some slow-witted person."

Gently brushing away the grass clippings from the deer and horse manes, Kikuchi said softly, "She just doesn't care much about things she considers unnecessary, but she responds seriously to things she cares about just as well."

Recalling the stories he heard from the old employees, Kikuchi couldn't help but smile.

"During the Kentucky Derby, Sakuya sensed the president and Mr. Wada's determination to win, so she ran very hard from the start even with a leg injury."

"So that's what it is—"

Takeshi nodded seriously.

"He seems to be a very principled horse."

That was one of the reasons why he came to the stable.

While a lot of information about racehorses can be obtained from trainers, there is also information like this that only stable staff or ranches can reveal.

Even though it is just a temporary replacement for the warm-up rider, it will not work if we don't do this.

To this day, he still rides diligently in the way his father taught him.

"Please give me your guidance during the Emperor's reward, Sakuya."

As he said this, Takeshi bowed to Mejiro Sakuya who was in the stable.

The deer-hair horse, which was concentrating on chewing its feed, was unmoved and just perfunctorily shook its tail as if to say, "I know, so don't disturb me while I'm eating."

Turning his head to look at Kikuchi, Takeshi's expression became somewhat helpless.

"It seems like she doesn't care much about me."

After that, he got to know several other horses on the ranch with Kikuchi's company.

"This child really doesn't look like the Golden Ship at all."

Wu Shi smiled and said as he rubbed Xingchuan's head which was sticking out from the stable.

The deer-haired pony initially flinched back a few steps, but soon re-emerged with a look of curiosity.

"Yeah, even the president said this kid is the type who prefers short trips."

"Hey! A short trip?"

Wu Shi looked at the slightly relaxed horse in front of him with some surprise.

Considering the horse's bloodline and actual physical condition, it should be more of a long-distance type, like his father.

but--

If the person who said this was President Kitano, then the situation would be different.

"It's almost time for the baby to be stabled. Haven't you decided where to send him yet?"

While rubbing Xingchuan's head, which had the unique feel of a Dragon King colt, Wu Shi asked.

"It's Hattori's stable in Saga—"

While answering, Kikuchi looked at the deer-haired horse in the stable with gentle eyes.

Judging from the horse's body, he already looks like a man.

However, it would be a bit difficult to rush into the competition now.

Keep running healthily——

This is what everyone on the ranch expects from the starship.

On the other side, Old Yokoyama drank the remaining tea in the cup and then stood up from the tatami swiftly.

"Please stay and have dinner with us."

Kitano stood up and made an invitation.

"No, Yuki-kun, you have guests to entertain later, right?"

Waving his hand, Old Yokoyama smiled and refused Kitano's request to stay.

While feeling a little regretful, a new idea emerged in Kitano's mind.

Teacher Tanaka and the others will not come until after lunch.

Maybe, I can try curry sukiyaki today?
　Thanks to Mixinunknown for the 288 starting coins reward

　　Thank you for your support

　　Ciallo～(∠ω<)⌒★
　　Chapter 2: Late

　　
　
(End of this chapter)