Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 243 Night on the Way to Northern Kyushu
By September, the sky had changed color.

Although it was still very hot, the blue sky was no longer as clear as it had been when I looked up.

The season is gradually moving towards autumn.

Is it Beljajun, whose stamina has become more and more steady with age, or Yuanye, a soldier who once defeated a powerful enemy in the Central Plains and was tempered in the expedition?

Alternatively, there's the white horse, a creature that embodies both human and horsemanship, possessing both popularity and strength.

Which of these teams will be the mainstay of Hokkaido this year?

At least for the upcoming Asahidake Sho, this question remains unanswered.

"The next destination is Mizuho-sho, which is a bit further away."

Tanaka Stables' statement that they would not leave disappointed many horse racing fans who were eagerly anticipating the showdown between the three strongest teams in the road and camp.

After finishing his training on the slope for the day, Pegasus, the horse in charge, was yawning boredly in the stable.

"If only that white guy were here."

Such lingering echoes could not transcend the physical barrier and reach Kitano's ears.

At this moment, he is on a night flight bound for Kitakyushu.

The opportunity for this trip a week ago arose.

I received advice from both Hattori and Tobita that "now is the perfect time to debut."

Typically, the debut races for local horse races begin around July, while in Saga, Kyushu, it's even earlier, in June.

After the auction, it takes a lot of time to contact the breeding ranch, formally move the animals into the stable, and handle the transportation and transfer between various stages.

Most horse owners would likely delegate all these arrangements to the trainer.

Rather, this is the standard practice.

However, as a horse owner and part-time breeder, Kitano has a fairly clear plan for Noah's career.

Rather than rushing to achieve good results, physical training and conditioning are more important.

It was with this in mind that, after successfully completing the gate test, their debut race was delayed until quite late for a horse from Saga.

The first race was originally scheduled to be the 900-meter "Please support Kyushu-bred horses next year" special two-year-old race last week.

However, due to Kitano's insistence, the goal was eventually changed to the 1200-meter race, which was 300 meters longer.

On this point, the designated main rider, Tobita, also voted in favor.

"For Mr. Noah, 900 meters is a bit short, and it may be difficult to exert his full strength."

Therefore, Noah's debut race has been changed to the first race of the 2-year-old Group 5 at Saga Racecourse tomorrow.

Taking advantage of the lull before the busy autumn season at the ranch, Kitano decided to go to the venue to watch the game.

Among the members of Mejiro Ranch, Rachel Ho, Kikuchi, and Lavida also joined this expedition destined for Kitakyushu.

Before setting off, the weather forecast for Saga indicated that it would be cloudy.

When we arrived over Kyushu, all we could see from the window seats was a continuous expanse of clouds.

I'm a little worried about whether we can land safely.

However, the in-flight announcement soon came through: "We will arrive at Kitakyushu Airport in thirty minutes."

We can say that we arrived in Kyushu safely.

The harsh sunlight of the day has disappeared, but the temperature is still high, and you start sweating profusely after walking around for a while.

Although Saga's humidity is 76%, which seems similar to Hidaka's, the perceived difference in humidity appears to be amplified when considering the hot weather in the area.

Not long after they stepped off the plane, Kitano, who considered himself a Daoist, and Kikuchi, who had become half a Daoist, quickly showed expressions of difficulty in adapting.

On the contrary, the other two people in the group had relaxed expressions on their faces, as if they were back home.

Instead of heading straight to Saga Racecourse as last time, the Mejiro Ranch expedition support team first set off for the hotel they had booked in advance.

The temperature difference between the outside and the air-conditioned car is huge; as soon as you open the car door, a humid heat that makes you dizzy envelops your whole body.

The asphalt road surface radiated the lingering heat of the day, making it difficult to breathe. "It smells a bit like ramen."

Rachel Ho closed her eyes and sniffed.

"No, it should be the refreshing scent of squid."

Ravid, who had his backpack slung behind his back, stood by and earnestly pointed out the flaws in his posture.

"This is south of Saga. Ramen and yoko squid are both from northern Saga."

Kikuchi sighed, pressing his forehead; even his complaints sounded weak and listless.

Upon arriving at their hotel room, the hungry group did not try the local specialty, charcoal-grilled yakitori, as Hattori had recommended.

I opened the map app on my phone and found a nearby French restaurant called "Aurigier Bistro" that was air-conditioned.

It's actually just a family-run restaurant with a French name, and the prices on the menu look quite reasonable.

When I opened the door, it was already late in the business hours.

Nevertheless, several guests were still seated in the front row.

Everyone except Lavida ordered a French country dish called "Pté de Campagne".

The Indians ordered a combination of baked rice with onions and cheese and a soft-boiled egg.

As soon as the menu was placed down, several customers who had been drinking at the counter looked over.

"I hope Noah's match goes well tomorrow, President Kitano."

A voice mixed with a strong Kyushu dialect came through.

"I will also buy Noah-kun's horse racing tickets to support him!"

Another guest raised his glass in greeting.

"I was there during the competency check too."

The seemingly gentle proprietress at the counter also smiled and said.

So you were the one who shouted the loudest back then—

Kitano still has many memories of the scene at that time.

"Thank you all very much for your support."

He rose from his seat and bowed slightly toward the counter.

However, because they were starving on the plane, they quickly got to work and started eating.

What was served was a rather heavy portion, which did not match the price.

In addition to the knives and forks commonly used in Western restaurants, the proprietress also thoughtfully provided chopsticks.

According to Kikuchi, who claims to be a culinary expert, the taste of French cuisine largely depends on the sauces.

With a try-it-out mentality, I first picked up some fish and a few shredded carrots as a side dish and rolled them in an unknown black sauce.

The taste was surprisingly good.

The natural umami flavor of the fish and the sweet and sour taste of the sauce complement each other perfectly, while the shredded carrots further enhance the texture.

The beef, combined with the spices and sauce, is also quite delicious.

When I came to my senses, I was already back at the hotel, clutching my stomach.

Before going to bed, I nervously swiped my phone screen and checked tomorrow's weather forecast.

It is said that it will be a cloudy day that is not too hot, and the chance of rain is 40%.

"Please keep the weather without sunshine; rain is really unnecessary."

As always before the race, Kitano silently prayed to the three great gods of horse racing.

Outside the window, the tropical night was illuminated by only a few scattered lights.

(End of this chapter)