Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 329 The Dreamer of Sand

On this day, just like in previous matches, the members of Mejiro Ranch gathered in front of the television in the lounge to show their support.

"They've entered the sprint phase, with Dubai Sunrise leading by a horse's length, closely followed by Meguro Sakuya!"

The blue and white-green racing suits gradually overlapped, and the television broadcast the cheers of the local horse racing fans for the runners.

however--

In Japan and North America, the powerful shouts that lit up screens of all sizes like fireflies were instantly drowned out by the cries of the crowd.

In those final few seconds, which felt like an eternity, Kitano kept his gaze fixed on the finish line, unwavering.

For Meguro, the glory of overseas Tier 1 tournaments, which once seemed so distant, is now within reach.

From the inside, Dubai Sunrise used all his strength to escape.

From the outside, Megumi Sakuya launched a pursuit with the same astonishing momentum as she had maintained at the parade ground.

The two riders on the saddle stretched out their bodies dramatically, like knights with lances at the ready, and began their final charge.

"The Dubai Sunrise's momentum shows no signs of slowing down; only two hundred meters remain! The Dubai Sunrise is giving it its all, but—"

It has surpassed it.

In a corner of the Crescent Stand filled with white and green, the cheers grew louder than ever.

The gap widened with each step the deer-haired horse took, as if it were bouncing off the ground.

"Godolphin's Sun Never Rises, Meguro Sakuya Sinks Dubai Sunrise, and the second horse to win consecutive Dubai World Cup titles is born!"

"Unbelievable, Megumi Sakuya!"

Finally, a flower path woven with glory blooms beneath your feet.

All the strength in his body vanished at that moment, and he choked so much that he couldn't even make a sound.

There is no one else but her who can bring Meguro back into the glory.

No other horse brought her laughter and tears, and inspired the veterinarian to dedicate himself to being both a horse owner and breeder.

Cinderella, with her black hair and deer fur, gallops swiftly across the mud and sand—

Mejiro Sakuya.

Despite trying to hold back her emotions, tears still streamed down her face.

"Sakuya."

The sound of shouts that could not be uttered reached my ears.

The tall, often noisy German man cried.

On the giant electronic screen at the Meydan Stadium, directly opposite the Crescent Stand, the image switched to a close-up shot showing only one person and one horse.

Her tightly pursed lips relaxed at that moment, and Jin Meiqi gently stroked her partner's mane.

The carefully woven bow swayed slightly, adorned with dew-like vapor rising from it.

With tears in his eyes, he jogged towards the track, muttering things like, "It's so good that everything is safe and sound."

"Kitano-kun, it's time for the oral sex ritual."

Kimura, with tears still glistening in his eyes, gently reminded him as he tucked away the crumpled handkerchief.

".OK."

Just as I was about to take a step, my knees gave out completely.

Bathed in thunderous applause, the backs of the horse owner, the ranch representative, and the trainer, supporting each other, slowly advanced toward the final oral delivery ceremony.

The trophy he held in his hand seemed heavier than ever before.

After a hot day in Dubai, the humid and sultry air at night makes even moving your arms and legs feel like walking in water.

The applause, no less than that at the moment of crossing the finish line, rang out continuously for a long time.

Wearing a navy blue bib number seven embroidered with five glittering gold stars, and with Kim Mi-ki, who had recently ridden her in her final race, riding Megumi Sakuya began her final run before returning home. Turning from the fourth bend of Midan onto the straight, bathed in the grand applause under the lights, Megumi Sakuya easily pulled away from her parallel guide horse and completed her final sprint.

Amid the applause symbolizing blessings, there were occasionally a few regretful sighs, such as "retirement is still a long way off" or "why not give it a try in the Breeders' Cup at the end of the year?"

Looking up, the image on the electronic screen was frozen at the moment when Jin Meiqi was holding the reins and waving to the stands.

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

"The 'Let's all hold a retirement ceremony for Sakuya Meshiro' project, which is being prepared for her retirement ceremony to be held at the Monbetsu Racecourse in Hokkaido in early April, has only one week left to collect fan messages."

For those horse racing fans who missed the first two batches of submissions, please pay attention to the final deadline.

(Note: Please try to keep the fabric piece with the message within 12cm x 12cm.)

——『Youjun』-《Mejiro in the New Era》Column

Dubai World Cup Night - Joint Meeting

Dubai World Cup winner Shirasaki Mame has confirmed she will retire after the tournament.

No breeding plans will be considered this year.

"Whether in North America, Japan, or Europe, her bloodline can produce quite interesting combinations with many breeds of stallions. I look forward to seeing the day when her offspring take to the racetrack."

R. King, the jockey, said, "She continues to perform at a top dirt track level, but this is the best decision we could have made after discussions. As her jockey, I wish her all the best for the rest of her life."

——《n○tkeiba》

@koou1594:

A beautiful ending has been achieved!

Megumi Sakuya is amazing!!!

Also, the "Nama Retsuden: Mejiro Sakuya Arc" is finished!

——21st Century Master Horse Production Committee
"【Dreamers of Sand】"

Regardless of the opponent
Regardless of time
Different venues are no problem.
The dream of galloping across the sand
You are so lovely
Yet it is incomparably powerful.
With versatile footwork
Defeat powerful enemies across the four seas

that moment
I am completely and utterly intoxicated.

—NAR·Impressions of Famous Horses·Sakuya Mejiro

"[@nar_keiba：

Five wins in GI, two wins in G2, one win in JpnI, and one win in JpnIII, with a career winning streak of 100%.

The local hero, Megumi Sakuya, achieved her ultimate goal.

- National Association of Racing (NAR) Formula

"[@Kitano:]"

Many thanks to everyone involved and horse racing fans for their continued support.
Although she looked more exhausted than in any previous match, thanks to everyone's blessings, Shirasaki returned safely on her last major stage in her active career.
谢谢 你

Megumi Sakuya
Then, it's time to go home.

"[@rhainfo:

The "[Retired Horses of the Region]" project, strongly supported by Kitano, president of Mejiro Trading Co., Ltd., has officially launched.
This project, established to realize the vision of "even retired local horses can enjoy their remaining years in peace," will be in effect long-term.
Thank you for your support.

Amount raised: 2000 million yen

——Retired Horse Association

"The 2027 Future Cup winner, Heart of Flint, may go to England for the 2000 Guinness World Records."

"We think he can run longer distances, but Rodon thinks he's a horse with a range of one mile or even less. We might use this race to test his range," said Yue Boren.

If they send 2,000 Guineas to England, there's a high probability that Flintheart will team up with Moya in battle.

——TDN
(End of this chapter)