Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 288 The Season of Preparation

The breath it exhaled was white.

When the cold wind blew, I felt a distinct pain on my face.

In Hokkaido, the seasons have already changed.

In the break room after the morning workday, the air conditioner seems to be making its presence known, as if to combat the winter chill.

"so--"

"so"

A collective sigh came from the low table.

"Shouldn't the street signs really be replaced?"

Ravid solemnly showed off his phone.

"There are more and more comments on the ranch's official website message board about the signs not being eye-catching enough and having an outdated design."

"I'm talking about air conditioning!"

Ignoring Zep's loud complaints in his ear, he took the phone and read it carefully, word by word.

"Hey! It looks pretty good!"

Completely baffled as to how things had turned out this way, he couldn't help but make a strange noise.

"Your aesthetic sense needs an upgrade, President."

"That's right, after all, we are a new generation company."

"Actually, in my husband's opinion, it's not bad. He even mentioned it during our last video call."

The complaints from the members came from all directions, and Zep delivered the final, fatal blow.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

After raising his hands in surrender, he sighed resignedly.

Then, more problems arose one after another.

"Besides the signs, the fence around the canal also needs to be repaired."

"Next week will see heavy snow. We need to get the windbreaks done before then."

"How about we prepare more hay? If we keep consuming it at this rate, the reserves in the warehouse might not be enough to last through the entire winter."

"Huiwan's hooves are growing a little slower than expected. How about we postpone putting them into 24-hour grazing for a week, just to be on the safe side?"

Before they knew it, the casual conversation had turned into a formal ranch meeting.

Compared to the harsh winter, November in Hokkaido is a time when the temperature is still quite pleasant.

It is the season when breeders and owners prepare for the coming year.

At the ranch, the plan is to make full use of the remaining time in November to continue preparations.

In addition to regular maintenance and repairs, the land should be cleared and preserved as much as possible before the snow becomes completely thick.

The breeding of racehorses and the development of racehorses are all based on solid land development.

Horse racing is a world where down-to-earth agricultural activities coexist with the glittering racetrack.

Although not universally accepted, the ranch is gradually growing thanks to the patient cooperation of those involved.

Just as I was thinking this, Ravid's somewhat deep voice sounded in my ear.

"Next comes the mating process."

My heart skipped a beat when I heard that.

As expected, everyone looked at him when he looked up.

"According to the ranch's plan, Mu-chan will be in a state of no foals next year. How about a tentative arrangement of resting and observing the feasibility of cooperating with prolific breeders by using foals to give birth?"

The Indian man pushed up his square-framed glasses and asked in a serious, almost earnest tone.

"no problem."

A highly suspicious answer no matter how you look at it.

"In addition, there will be a winter JS breeding mares auction in January."

Scrolling down the notes app on his phone, Ravid continued, "Considering the budget, our options might be rather limited."

Rachel Ho shook her tablet and joined the conversation.

"So it's better to focus on the existing breeding mares."

"Then, it's Anna's part."

At this point, Ravid turned the personal computer on the table around.

“In the past few days, quite a few stallion syndicates have started contacting us. Although they may not be on the president's radar, we can try to include them in our shortlist.”

After a quick glance, I noticed that the list included some very familiar and popular stallions.

"As for Anna, let's wait until I return from Europe before making a decision."

I managed to get away with it by using a tone that was similar to my usual one.

Before we could even catch our breath, we were already back to the stage of holding horses.

For active horses, there is only one race left this year.

Although the consideration is that "there are still plans for next year," it has come to an end at least for this year.

Between Hong Kong Bottle, an overseas brand, and Arima Commemorative, a brand with a strong reputation among established players, the former, which carries a greater risk of loss and profit, was ultimately chosen.

Besides the reason of "running races that are more likely to be won," the hope is that Atalanta can take this opportunity to complete what the advisors call a "spiritual transformation."

As for Pegasus, who has little hope of qualifying to leave—

Let's just treat it as a trip together.

"Training in a different place might help improve his temper a little."

From the stables to the horse owners, the considerations within the camp are roughly at this level.

"As for the one-year-old horses, let's keep both Huiyue and Huibang in the gate."

The members didn't react with any surprise at this decision.

However, there is still a subtle difference in their thinking.

"If they can establish themselves firmly in the second year of their careers, then for Huiyue, reaching the central level will only be a matter of time—"

Fortunately, I mustered up the courage to convey my request to Tanaka, who had entrusted me with the task of bringing the two children into the stable, that "these two are children to be bred."

"The occasion for Teruhimaru will be handed over to Wada-sensei, who will be opening next year."

Not long ago, Wada, who had been preparing for many years, finally passed the first round of trials for trainer's license, and the entry of Teru-maru into the stable was officially put on the agenda.

On the other hand, Huixing, who had little hope for good results, commissioned the field manager of Mipu.

"What does the president of Huixiang think?"

Hikaru, the strongest member of the "Shining" generation, has yet to make a decision about joining the stable.

"I guess I still hope to get into the stables over at Miura—"

Before that, I tried asking Hori Nobuyuki, whom I was fairly familiar with.

However, they received the reply, "Sorry, President, the list of candidates for next year's entry into the stable is already full."

"Is the plan to bring Miura into the stables—?"

The club members huddled around Ravid's personal computer, staring at the list of trainers for Miura that kept scrolling across the screen.

Suddenly, Kikuchi tapped his head as if he had just thought of something.

"If it's Miura—"

As she spoke, she swiped her phone screen and entered the search interface.

"How about this horse trainer who's also opening next year?"

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

"[Time report]

The winner of the Satsuki Prize, who will travel to Hong Kong to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of Saint Reid's Starry Sea Bond (Oyster 3 - Father's Lofty Affection - Mother and Father King of Hawaii), may go to Hong Kong C or Hong Kong Bottle.
"His physique has improved further, and the hooves have been well resolved. Considering the race time, we believe he will be able to handle this level of challenge." Coach Tomokazu Takano said.

——《n○tkeiba》

(End of this chapter)