Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 252 Initial Purpose: Miura Visit

Chapter 252 First Visit to Miura
The taxi drove across the Wakakusa Bridge, which stands like a torii gate, in the opposite direction from where it came.

Across the Tone River, a vast expanse of green stretches out from the car window.

For a moment, I thought I was back in Hokkaido.

Although the driver said "We're almost there" several times, it took nearly half an hour to finally arrive at the Miura Training Center after crossing the Tone River, which marks the prefectural border.

Thanks to prior communication, we were able to enter the training center smoothly.

There was no requirement to show any proof of ownership; the security guard at the gate simply had Kitano sign his name in the register of visiting horse owners.

It seems that there aren't many individual horse owners being visited.

Continuing into the training center, the southern track resembled a school playground after school, devoid of people and horses, while the northern track had been closed long ago due to renovations.

Unable to see the supposedly comprehensive training facilities, they had no choice but to follow the directions given in the previous phone call and head directly to the stables.

Similar to other stables seen along the way, the stables also have a very "Miura style" appearance.

Despite thinking this way, I inexplicably felt that this place lacked vitality.

That's probably what it feels like.

Most of the staff at Meipu I encountered on the street looked listless.

As I walked toward the main gate of the stable, a brown-haired man wearing a sports jacket greeted me, saying, "Hello, President Kitano."

Yes, Kato is the stable training assistant, and his father is Kazuhiro Kato, a former horse trainer.

Upon entering the stables, one sees Masaru carefully inspecting something in front of the stables.

The trainer said somewhat sullenly, "Hello."

Then there was nothing more to say.

"Sorry, the stage manager gets so focused on work that he forgets everything else."

Kato winked at him while trying to smooth things over.

"Oh, it's okay."

Kitano shook his head and walked toward the direction of the horse trainer.

"Let me show you around the stables."

Under Kato's constant eye prompting, Matoba finally spoke.

The corridors and stables were very clean, and the facilities showed obvious signs of use, but most of them were well maintained.

That alone is enough to give people the impression that "it's a responsible stable."

but--

Only six racehorses remain in the stable.

Moreover, they are mostly genuine problem children.

"This kid's footwork hasn't been great, but he's been very hard-working even in his one-win game."

When horse racing is mentioned, the trainer in front of me seems to switch on a personality switch, and he talks on and on about the topic.

Kato watched anxiously from the side, but the conversation between the two was surprisingly harmonious.

"On the ranch, we also observe the intestinal environment through feces."

"Yes, the condition of the abdomen is usually reflected in the feces. When a horse's belly is comfortable, it usually doesn't have a strong odor."

"That's right. Conversely, if the intestines are not functioning properly, the smell and shape of the stool will also reflect this."

The tour was over before the trainer and owner finished their conversation and then walked into the lounge at the end of the corridor.

After accepting the sugar-free oolong tea from the horse trainer and thanking him, I explained my purpose.

“I have a one-year-old child here, and I hope to entrust him to a professional geomancer next year.”

"I'm a trainer who's about to retire this year, does that matter?"

The atmosphere returned to its initial somber tone.

It wasn't that I was unhappy about having to retire; I was simply stating a fact.

"It's alright. Also—"

After a brief pause, Kitano continued speaking.

"If possible, please let that child continue to run healthily."

For most horse trainers, such a request, even if it doesn't result in a scolding, will most likely lead to complaints.

"If it's just for fun, don't send it to me—"

That's probably the feeling.

"Is it the foal born from the imperial pegasus?"

The trainer smiled dismissively.

Kitano nodded, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "Don't let my appearance fool you, I at least have some sense for horses of this caliber."

That's quite a euphemistic way of putting it.

"Then, please give me your guidance."

Kitano put down his oolong tea and bowed deeply to the horse trainer in front of him.

"Please give me your guidance as well."

He took off his glasses and bowed in return.

"The stage manager—"

Just then, shouts came from outside the stable.

It sounds like a very energetic voice.

For some reason, the expressions of Matoba, Kato, and the others in the stable all became subtle.

The next moment, a stylishly dressed, white-haired old man swaggered into the lounge.

"I'm counting on you this time too!"

As he spoke, he placed the things he was holding on the table in the lounge with a thud.

It's a Sai-chan figure that hasn't been opened yet.

"Sorry, sorry, but this time the quantity is slightly—"

Only when he looked up did the old man notice the stranger in front of him.

"Are you President Kitano?"

The old man's eyes widened dramatically, as if he had discovered a new continent.

"Stop causing trouble, you silly old man."

Kato spoke in a low voice behind the old man.

"Oh! I'm so sorry—"

The fashionable old man hurriedly picked up the figurine from the table, bowed deeply as if he were about to break his back, and then fled to the outside of the lounge as if running away.

Before leaving, he made sure to quietly close the door.

The scene was like a nanny comforting a toddler, sighing helplessly yet gently.

"I'm sorry you had to see this funny."

"Nothing."

Kitano withdrew his gaze with a subtle expression.

Kato and Hirohara, both jockeys and trainers, had outstanding performances during their time as riders and trainers, and even after their retirement, they maintained considerable popularity among horse racing fans.

My current profession is a YouTube celebrity.

Maybe I can have a good chat with Majima.

Just as they were thinking of saying goodbye, Matoba gave them a look as if he had suddenly remembered something.

"Um, President Kitano."

Kitano immediately adopted a posture of attentive listening.

"If possible, another horse with reeds—"

A clear hint of hesitation flashed across the trainer's face.

However, she still went on to say it.

"How about trying to use a slightly gentler expectation?"

After saying that, he pursed his lips slightly.

"Thank you very much for your suggestion."

Kitano bowed again to the horse trainer earnestly.