Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 295 A Solo Expedition

The first Wednesday of December.

After the year-end party a few days ago, I fled Hokkaido as if I were running away.

The combination of Divine Might Anna and Golden Horn will surely produce outstanding foals—

Currently, very few people are willing to believe this assessment.

Although the teasing from horse enthusiasts was quite loud, it actually didn't have much impact on the ranch.

However, some industry insiders who received the news also raised questions such as, "Is that guy really a horse breeder?"

If it is a large-scale ranch, this "foolish" and frivolous decision will obviously affect the auction prices of foals produced in the next few years.

however--

At Mejiro Ranch, which has only two breeding mares, at least the first foals are kept by the company.

It has to be said that, unusually, they managed to take advantage of the benefits that a small ranch should have, outside of receiving subsidies from the agricultural and water resources department.

His reputation as a breeding novice will probably last for quite some time.

At this moment, the body felt a slight forward tilting pull.

The in-flight announcements repeated the same message in four languages: Cantonese, English, Mandarin, and Japanese.

It's already this time—

Besides the breeding season a few months from now, there is another matter that needs our attention.

After completing pre-quarantine procedures in Japan, Atalanta arrived in Hong Kong ahead of schedule in the early hours of the morning.

As expected, despite the availability of starting positions, Pegasus was unable to qualify for the Hong Kong International Race Walking Day.

Although I considered paying for the extra shipping costs out of my own pocket, I received a "NO" response from HKJC after consulting them.

Without an invitation from the race organizers, accompanying horses, which are considered "luggage" or "accessories," are not allowed to enter the quarantine stables prepared for horses traveling overseas.

The expedition returned to a situation where Atalanta had only one horse.

According to feedback from Master Majima yesterday, Atalanta has arrived in Hong Kong safely and in good health.

However, the adjustment process is absolutely not carried out after long-distance transportation.

"If you can't get back into the right mindset, don't force it."

Before boarding the plane, I conveyed these instructions to Inspector Majima.

Sure enough, I still can't put my mind at ease.

Two sighs, one after the other.

As part of the hospitality program, owners of overseas racehorses participating in the Hong Kong International Race Walking Day can bring an additional companion to enjoy the owner's package.

The plan was the same as always: the entire ranch would be mobilized except for the staff who stayed behind, and the rest of the work, except for the hospitality, would be handled by themselves.

After a brief discussion, the spot for the horse owner's meal was awarded to Rachel Ho, who also served as a temporary translator.

They turned and looked at each other. The temporary translator held his head and muttered something that was hard to understand, like "This is going to be a disaster."

The seatbelt was now unbuckled, so I swiped my phone screen to check the time.

China and Japan have a one-hour time difference.

In Hokkaido, it was already close to 4 PM.

However, since the plane was flying west, there was still plenty of sunshine here.

If I remember correctly, the highest temperature in Hong Kong in December can exceed 25 degrees Celsius.

Although you can't tell how strong the sunlight is through the porthole, coming from Hokkaido, which is gradually entering the depths of winter, you'll probably find it very hot.

On Rachel Ho's advice, the travel bag was filled with winter clothing that was too light for the locals.

"Please enjoy your journey."

The flight attendant next to the boarding gate first said it in English, and then repeated it in Japanese.

After thanking them, I started moving towards the airport. Hong Kong International Airport—

We arrived at a place resembling a supermarket at 3 p.m. local time.

After glancing at the prices, I promptly abandoned the idea of ​​eating here.

Although I was already starving.

Following Rachel Ho's directions, we boarded the airport bus, which traveled along the coastline for about forty minutes.

After getting off at the "CITY ONE SHATIN" stop, we were told that it was still about a ten-minute drive to the hotel where the event organizers were hosting us.

Just as she was about to open the car rental app, Rachel Ho quickly stopped her.

"Taxi rides in Hong Kong are so expensive, I've already texted my dad to come pick us up."

"Wouldn't that be inconvenient?"

I already feel bad for troubling the other party to act as a part-time guide, and I would feel bad if I continued to cause them trouble.

"Don't worry, he'll be at home all day with nothing to do after he retires anyway, so he might as well get out and about and exercise."

Rachel Ho waved her hand dismissively and tapped her phone to send a few voice messages.

Because passengers cannot get on or off at the intersection, we crossed the pedestrian crossing and walked all the way to a place that resembled a seaside park before meeting Rachel Ho's father.

"Now you're famous all over Hong Kong. Even though I haven't watched horse racing for so many years, I know you're going to use your top mare to pair with the hurdler."

After getting into the car, Rachel Ho's father said this with great enthusiasm.

"That kid will definitely outdo the Romantic Warrior!"

In the passenger seat, Rachel Ho launched a counterattack, not to be outdone.

But soon he let out a strange cry and gave her a resentful look that seemed to say, "It's all your fault, President."

After a few lighthearted banter, Rachel Ho's father expressed his gratitude earnestly.

Even Rachel Ho herself, who was in a state of self-abandonment, managed to say a few polite words, which was quite unusual for her.

When they arrived at the hotel and it was time to get off the car, the father and daughter exchanged a few words while bickering.

In the end, Rachel Ho accepted the eco-friendly bag her father offered.

“I told him he couldn’t bring these things back to Japan, but he insisted on bringing them over.”

Despite constantly complaining about her father, the girl's lips unconsciously curled upwards.

After saying goodbye to this "group of friends and family," I stepped towards the tall building in front of me.

After checking in at the front desk and putting my luggage in the room, I met up with Master Mashima at the buffet restaurant by the pool on the first floor.

A little while later, Sasakawa, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt, also rushed over from the gym.

"The veterinarians in Hong Kong have also examined him, and Ata-chan's horse is in good health."

The trainer's tone was tense and somewhat heavy.

"However, my condition is still not good."

Although we had considered bringing our own feed in advance, and even submitted several additional applications to the HKJC, it seems to have had little effect.

Before adjusting their condition and starting adaptive training, the first challenge facing the team was "how to restore Atalanta's appetite".

"After arriving in Hong Kong, Ata-chan refused to eat anything, not even her favorite apple chunks mixed with carrot sticks. In the end, Sasagawa had to blend carrots into juice and mix it with water to force her to drink it."

Rubbing his temples, Majima let out a heavy sigh.

Is the situation really that bad?

Couldn't help but frown.

It was precisely because Atalanta was not good at transporting goods that they set off a little earlier.

If you still can't adjust—

(End of this chapter)