Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 206 Farewell on a Summer Night
On the second Thursday of May, the beginning of summer has passed.

The colors of the sky seemed brighter than they had been a few days ago.

After the wind died down, the heat in the air was so stuffy that a thin layer of sweat seeped out of my skin.

A night of high emotions.

"The North Road King, Bell Jiajun, has entered the gate. On the other side, Lu Mao's Triple Crowned White Horse has also successfully entered the gate."

"The track is cleared. The race begins!"

With the signature delayed commentary of the live broadcast, the first Guma Rewards of the new season officially kicked off.

Mubai Baima, who started second, occupied the inside lane as usual and tried to take the lead, while Beier Jiajun started the race calmly from the outside gate.

But when the horses broke out of the second turn and entered the opposite straight, the horse fans were in an uproar because they noticed something was wrong.

At some point, Bell Jiajun had caught up with the second or third person in front from the outside, and was even continuing to close in on Mu Baima who was in the front.

Although there have been many advance strategies, all horse fans know that -

Bell Jiajun's trump card should have been a burst of power at the end to preserve his strength.

At this moment, the black deer-hair racehorse actually cut into the inner lane early and started a close fight with the leading Mu Baiheima.

"Have they started fighting so early?! Bell Jiajun is coming! How should Medaihiramashi respond?!"

The voice of the live broadcast host Kishine suddenly became heated, and the two riders on horseback pulled the reins anxiously at the same time.

"Don't let him anger you—"

Although Sangcun on horseback tried his best to comfort him, Beier Jiajun still insisted on competing with this reed-haired horse, which was difficult to control once excited.

Mu Baima was provoked by Bell Jiajun and instantly ignited his fighting spirit.

"That's all I have to do."

The determination conveyed through the bit was irresistible. Ochiai immediately threw aside his control of the rhythm and instead used the simple escape horse tactic.

"Believe in Pegasus's strength."

Exerting force too early may cause the horse to lack stamina or even lose its fighting spirit.

But at this moment, he could only put aside his doubts and trust his partner without reservation.

This choice turned the game into a pure showdown of strength.

The noise gradually faded away from my ears, and all that remained was the mixed sound of each other's hooves.

"Meda Hiram is still in the lead. The two of them passed the fourth bend side by side. There are only 400 meters left in the race!"

Kishine's speech speed continued to increase, and Mudaibai and Bell Jiajun also left the herd behind far behind as if they had agreed.

"Bell Jiajun! Megumi Hirama! Bell Jiajun! Megumi Hirama!"

"Bell Jiajun takes the lead in one breath——"

Amidst the uproar, Bell Jiajun resolutely took the lead.

"but--"

"Finally, it's Belle Jiajun!"

"My eyes are full of confusion!"

"This year also marks Bell Jiajun and the Grand Universe's fourth consecutive championship!"

Two sighs sounded almost simultaneously.

"The rhythm was completely lost in the second half."

Glancing sideways, one could clearly see the unwillingness to admit defeat on the face of Kana Ogawa, the ranch representative.

"But, in the end, it was just a little bit off."

Kitano quickly calmed down and spoke to comfort the girl.

Even though my shoulders dropped, I felt less depressed than I had imagined.

As long as you put in the effort, you will have a direction for what you want to do.

Of course, whether this can be achieved is another matter.

Facing Kitano who was walking towards him, Ochiai subconsciously pursed his lips.

Then, he lowered his head slightly.

"I'm really. So sorry."

If the push riding in the road was improved a little bit, would the result of the game be different?

Even though he knew it was pointless, the thought kept popping into his mind uncontrollably. "No, Genta and Pegasus tried their best too."

Taking the saddle cloth, Kitano patted the rider's shoulder.

His gaze turned to Mudai Hirama standing beside him.

The reed-haired horse was breathing heavily and stomping its front hooves impatiently on the ground from time to time.

"Even you are unwilling?"

As if in response, Mudaiba shook his head from side to side, making a "puff" sound.

"So--"

Gently stroking the burning neck of the reed-haired horse, Kitano turned and asked, "How about we win it together next time?"

"Please leave it to me. I will definitely win together with Pegasus!"

After loosening his tightly pursed lips, Ochiai's tone was as firm as a declaration.

The depression in my chest quietly dissipated, and the ignited fighting spirit became even more intense.

After folding up the saddlecloth, Kitano asked the rider in front of him in the same solemn tone.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

After watching Ochiai's figure disappear in the inspection room, Kitano turned his gaze to Medahira again.

Even though the leash had been fastened, the reed-haired horse was reluctant to move.

After a while, he was dragged away reluctantly after being comforted by two stable boys.

Kitano and Tanaka walked side by side on their way out, both of them deliberately slowing down their pace.

"Judging from their performance, they should be on the same level as Bell Jiajun."

Kitano said this first.

Tanaka nodded, then shook his head.

"If things continue to unfold like today, it will likely be disadvantageous to Pegasus."

Even after transportation or a long rest, Medaihira's weight can still be maintained in a relatively stable range.

But on the other hand, it becomes difficult to gain weight.

When facing mud-track opponents whose weight generally exceeds 500 tons, Medaima is likely to fall into the same disadvantage as today.

The wind started to pick up as we crossed Zaima Square.

The sound of leaves rubbing against each other came to my ears, and I almost wanted to put the heat behind me.

The trainer's expression remained tense.

“Although it’s a little faster than last year, the progress in terms of horse fitness is still quite slow.”

Kitano let out a breath and spoke after a while.

"Then let's abandon the exchange expedition plan for now."

If this competition goes well, try to arrange one or two local exchange and reward expeditions this year -

This was the camp's original plan.

Now, of course, it’s another matter.

Looking at the commendation ceremony from afar, Kitano smiled helplessly.

"But, doesn't this still mean we have to confront Bell Jiajun?"

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

"[@nar_keiba：

The first move to commemorate the universe is Bell Jiajun.

At the 17th Grand Cosmo Kinen held today at Monbetsu Racecourse, rider Masaaki Kuwamura (Hokkaido) rode Bell Kashun (Male 7, Hokkaido, Kadokawa Hideki Stables) to a popular victory over Medalaba, achieving his fourth consecutive Grand Cosmo Kinen victory.

- National Association of Racing (NAR) Formula

"【Pay attention to horse movements】

The apricot aurora of the cherry blossom viewing area will not target the oak competition.

Kimura said, "Growing muscles too quickly is a problem. We will try to arrange competitions with distances that are more suitable for her."

——《n○tkeiba》

　Chapter 2: Late
　　
　
(End of this chapter)