Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 334 Saga at the end of March
The last day of March.

After driving through the empty, giant parking lot, the rental car slowly came to a stop at the side gate of Saga Racecourse.

After getting off the train, follow the path behind the moon to reach the stables.

Thinking that Chairman Ma could have some snacks for dinner, we didn't stop here.

According to regulations, side entrances are places where even close relatives must apply in advance.

However, just like the one through the main entrance, it was put inside very easily.

Turning from the main road where vehicles can be parked into the narrow alley between rows of stables, I saw many trainers and stable staff busy at work.

Future Stars West Japan, JRA Grand Prize-certified race.

Today is a day with a hefty reward for the competition.

Turning at the intersection in front of the indoor maruba stadium, you'll see a trainer and a stable boy sitting side by side on the steps, eating their boxed lunches.

"Yo, President Kitano—"

Good evening, Hattori-sensei.

After greeting everyone, he casually plopped down on the steps, with some hay that had been drying during the day but hadn't been put away yet beside him.

"Noah has become more mature since the last game, and sometimes I even worry that he takes things too seriously."

After putting down his lunchbox, Nerima picked up a skewer of squid from a small paper plate.

"Working too hard might not be a good idea."

"Don't worry, I've always treated Noah like my own son!"

With that, Hattori put the now bare bamboo skewer back into the small dish and unscrewed the can of oolong tea beside him.

"Speaking of which, Sakuya is retiring in the blink of an eye."

The trainer said with a sigh.

"Yes, it's wonderful that I can retire without any trouble—I hope you'll do me the honor of attending my retirement ceremony, Hattori-sensei."

"Haha! Even if President Kitano hadn't said anything, I would have shamelessly gone there myself."

While chatting and eating, the horse trainer asked about breeding matters on the ranch.

"The plan for Dazzling Action is to rest and recuperate this year, and Sakuya will also make adjustments for the rest of the year before officially starting to breed next year."

Sakuya's retirement after the Dubai World Cup, coupled with her absence from the national team that year, led to concerns among fans and those involved that she might be injured.

He has clarified this on social media more than once.

"Oh, I see."

Noticing the trainer's slightly ambiguous tone, he proactively offered an explanation—

"I'm thinking of cooperating with the US, which is taking a risk."

It was a rare opportunity that a potential partner was approved with the support of the members.

Because it was a very popular stallion overseas, Lavida contacted the Three Chimneys ranch where the quest for a breeding partner was located as soon as possible after the breeding target was identified.

Of course, we are still in the communication and negotiation stage at present.

"Steellana?"

Hattori repeated the somewhat tongue-twisting name.

"In cases where the insemination fee is approximately $250,000."

"Two hundred and fifty thousand—"

Upon hearing this, the horse trainer's mouth dropped open.

I never imagined that real people would make the kind of extremely surprised expressions seen in comics.

Even the usually silent stable boy wore an exaggerated "Wow, that's amazing!" expression.

"It's bound to be a very impressive foal."

"No, as long as the child is healthy, that's fine." "President Kitano is being too modest."

"This is not being modest."

As they chatted, the trainer and stable boy finished their dinner.

After getting up, packing up the used tableware, and throwing it into the designated trash can at the intersection, the trainer waved and pointed towards the stables.

Upon entering the stables, the soft lighting in the aisle stretched the trainer's shadow to your feet.

Amidst the melodious classical music, most of the racehorses in the stables on both sides appeared quite relaxed, with some even sticking their heads out into the corridor and swaying up and down to the rhythm of the music.

Good afternoon, Noah.

Stopping in front of a stable, the chubby trainer leaned down slightly and greeted Noah inside.

After a slight commotion, Noah slowly peeked his head out from between the fences.

Under the dim light, the coffee-colored fur looked shiny and smooth.

—This doesn't seem like the behavior of someone who hates taking baths.

"You actually helped this child take a bath? You've really gone to a lot of trouble."

While enjoying the wonderful feel of the fluffy head, I couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

"No, I just wiped him down a little with a towel this morning."

The horse trainer waved his hand with a wry smile.

According to Hattori, ever since a bath incident resulted in two days of training being spent in complete disarray, the stables have become much more cautious about Noah's bathing.

"Last time Noah took a bath, he made a sound that was not something a horse could make, which almost startled everyone in the nearby stables."

Despite uttering words of complaint, the trainer's eyes were filled with doting affection.

"Fortunately, this horse isn't one that gets dirty easily; when the weather isn't too hot, it can be kept clean with a towel and a rag."

"However, Noah really hates taking baths."

The stable boy, who had just brought in the saddle, also joined the conversation with a helpless expression.

"I'm so sorry, I've really caused you trouble."

As a horse owner, in this situation, all I can do is apologize, just like a parent who has been called to school for their child's mistake.

"No, actually Noah is a very reassuring child."

After saying this with a smile, Hattori took the saddle from the stable boy.

"I'm counting on you now, Noah."

Stepping out of the stable, the air was still a bit chilly, but the wind blowing in my face was no longer "so cold" but rather quite pleasant.

The closer they got to the reviewing stand, the more surging the crowd became.

Even though there were still more than ten minutes before the game started, I could already see quite a few men wearing ties and stylishly dressed women.

The sounds of conversation, broadcasts, footsteps, and the rustling of race paper were all present.

The familiar clamor, typical of match days, filled my ears.

After a period of waiting, the pre-match review for the sixth game in Saga, featuring the rising stars of West Japan, began.

Noah, saddled and bitten, exuded an aura completely different from his presence in the stable, and almost as soon as he stepped onto the parade ground, he sparked cheers among the horse racing fans.

"This child is now in your care. Please ride it as you see fit."

"Please rest assured, I will ride Mr. Noah well."

After the conversation ended, he bowed again to the rider and trainer who had stood up, as was customary.

As you walk through the maze-like passages, push open the heavy wooden doors, and enter the chairman's seat, you can see through the huge glass windows that the Saga Racecourse is immersed in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Dusk is approaching.

(End of this chapter)