Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 281 The War Between Fools
"Six million, six million one hundred thousand, how about we settle on a price of six million one hundred thousand?"

Inside the venue, the pace of buyers' quoting was significantly longer than at the beginning.

"Do you think a transaction price of six million one hundred thousand, six million two hundred thousand US dollars is appropriate? Six million two hundred thousand two hundred thousand."

Listening to the price announcements broadcast over the front-line radio, Nakajima put down his phone and asked, "Deputy Representative Yoshida, should we continue to raise the price?"

The man on the sofa, referred to as "Deputy Representative Yoshida," hesitated for a moment, then turned his head and asked—

"Director Tsuda?"

The man with the slicked-back, center-parted hair first shook his head, then nodded.

"From the perspective of breeding mares, that's about it."

Six million one hundred thousand US dollars, which is about nine hundred million yen.

For the vast majority of breeding mares, this is already the limit of their actual value, considering the time and investment required to recoup costs.

"That's indeed the consideration—"

Yoshida spoke in a heavy tone.

After receiving this year’s Keyland auction catalog, the breeding department and breeding specialists at Northern Ranch held several analytical meetings.

The condition, pedigree, and even price of the horse—everything related to breeding mares—was considered more than once.

After that, the local team went to the stables to inspect them in person before confirming the final selection from the catalog.

Without any proven track record of foal production to refer to, it is not a wise choice to rashly submit an offer of over six million.

"Then—"

"However, considering the potential impact, purchasing such a world-class mare might be an advantageous occasion for us."

Tsuda interrupted Yoshida and continued speaking.

"Moreover, we might be able to take this opportunity to expand our market in North America."

Yoshida's lips tightened and then loosened, and he lowered his head in silence.

"It's such a headache—"

Other rational buyers also faced similar considerations.

From the front lines of the venue to the various private auction rooms, only the auctioneer's calls for bids were exceptionally clear in one's ears.

Looking up, Yoshida's gaze settled on the screen displaying the live broadcast from the front lines—

"The maximum bid has been raised to seven million."

After saying that, he closed his eyes again and sank back into the sofa.

"Six million two hundred thousand, how about six million three hundred thousand? Thirty thirty thirty thirty—"

A long-awaited standstill.

Kitano almost forgot to breathe, looking up and staring intently at the auctioneer in front of him.

Quickly, tap it down!

His eyes conveyed this endless resentment.

After what felt like an eternity, the auctioneer's gavel did not fall.

The next second, the price on the screen refreshed to six million three hundred thousand US dollars.

"It wasn't that simple after all—"

My heart was pounding like it was on a rollercoaster.

However, we haven't given up yet.

Our competitors might be particularly tough to deal with, and we were prepared for that from the beginning.

As I stretched my stiff neck, I noticed that there were empty seats all around me.

The buyers who had initially come to watch the spectacle had vanished without a trace.

However, this doesn't mean they won't participate in subsequent auctions.

There are many monitors and broadcasts throughout Keanland Racecourse, so it's easy to get notified to return to the venue and prepare when the target horse's entry number is approaching.

How about we go for a walk?

Despite having such thoughts, I still obediently stayed in the venue and endured the torment of the second half of the meeting.

Apart from the mind, the rest of the body seemed to gradually become numb and lose sensation.

The sound of my heartbeat lingered in my ears, showing no sign of calming down.

The market price then reached the next critical point.

"Six million nine hundred thousand, seven hundred seven hundred seven hundred seven hundred."

The auctioneer called out the prices while glancing down with a look of confirmation.

Despite being prepared, my mood still became somewhat heavy at this moment.

Next, we need to start using the protective charms.

A sound like something snapping and then tightening seemed to come from one corner of my head.

Next, all they could do was silently pray that this auction wouldn't produce some idiot who'd drive the price up to ten million. "Even if it costs ten or twenty million, I have to get her!"

Inside one of the auction rooms, first came the sound of something being slammed on the table, which was unclear, followed by a confident voice.

“In that case, you’ll definitely be the headline in the horse racing world in ten minutes—the kind that other breeders will laugh at.”

Then came another rather helpless voice.

"But the shares I bought for the airline at a high price weren't—"

At this point, Jasper's gaze suddenly fixed on the screen broadcasting from the front lines.

"Oh eh."

In the hall where only a few people remained, a somewhat familiar figure raised his arm.

"This is."

The horse owner on the west coast narrowed his eyes.

"KITANO?"

$7,000,000

"Shall we continue, Deputy Representative Yoshida?"

Nakajima looked away from the numbers on the screen, took a deep breath, and then spoke.

How much of our budget do we have left?

As Yoshida got up from the sofa and stretched, he turned around and asked the question.

"Nine million seven hundred and twenty thousand."

"Then let's find a couple more options from the first book's choices."

His tone was somewhat somber.

"Seven million, seven hundred, seven hundred, seven hundred, is anyone else here? I'll settle on seven million dollars, what do you think?"

The auctioneer raised his gavel as if to whet the appetite, but hesitated to bring it down.

"Seven million? Are there really no other offers?"

There's just too much nonsense going on—

Subconsciously, I held my breath and waited for the next round of bidding or the low-probability transaction to occur.

"Seven hundred and ten, seven hundred and ten?"

Slowly raising a finger, the auctioneer surveyed the room.

"Seven million dollars sold. Thank you to the gentleman here."

With a "thump," I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and relaxed.

It really was a fierce battle—

It felt like I aged several years in just a few minutes.

Sporadic, spontaneous applause broke out, and when I came to my senses, a staff member wearing a green suit from the Keenland Racecourse appeared beside me.

What was handed to me was a form.

After the auction, the buyer signs the agreement and decides on the subsequent shipping arrangements, which is the same as in Japan.

“Sachi Kitano”

It was unusual for him to use a cursive signature, and he even asked the staff to take a commemorative photo for him.

As I stood up, a distinct numbness came from the soles of my feet.

Nevertheless, I temporarily put aside my emotions and started arranging the shipping after the purchase, just like last time.

I obtained another form in a corner of what looked like a reception area, which listed several different tiers of transportation options.

Without much hesitation, I checked the most expensive option in the international shipping category.

The golden amulet I just got not long ago has already been used up.

However, the auspicious talisman has at least been preserved.

From this perspective, this year's Keenland November auction has been a great success.

As I was thinking this, I heard a familiar voice.

“KITANO——”

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"[@keenelandsales:]"

Leading the November issue of Keenland is Hip 26's Anna, purchased by Japanese breeder SACHI KITANO on behalf of Hill 'N' Dale Equine Holdings, Inc.

——Keeneland Sales
"[@Kitano:]"

【image】

A new member of Mejiro Ranch.

(End of this chapter)