Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 339 A Sunny Spring Day
The day after returning to the ranch, the dazzling performance was followed by a rare and hearty breakfast after the morning work.

The final name chosen for the young pony, Qinglumao, was "Yuehuang," suggested by Rachel Ho.

"But there was only one child that age—"

There aren't even any one-year-old horses!

Kikuchi and Rachel Ho's sarcastic remarks came from both sides of the low table.

"We can talk about the yearlings later, but how about we reconsider the one-year-olds?"

Even Lavid said so.

Although Zep hesitated to speak at the counter, he didn't immediately agree. Instead, he asked everyone if they wanted coffee after the meal.

After receiving a response, the German pressed the switch on the coffee grinder.

The aroma of the French blend, delivered by a friend, wafted through the lounge as it was poured into a mug of coffee.

I don't know much about coffee beans, but since they were gifts from someone I know, I felt grateful as I drank them.

While savoring the bitterness of the coffee with my tongue, I considered my plans for the auctions over the next two years.

To be honest, I don't have much intention of selling at domestic auctions.

Considering the potential costs of becoming a central horse owner, it's no longer possible to freely use the [Detector] by splitting high-level protective charms as we did in previous years.

Moreover, there are also considerations regarding pedigree from the perspective of the breeders.

As for the selection of horses from the social and Taiwanese markets, which have relatively higher quality, their cost-effectiveness is simply too low.

Services like helping to connect stables with breeding farms can be a great help to novice horse owners.

However, if the owner is also a breeder, the after-sales guarantee, which is one of the selling points of a club-affiliated auction, is relatively less attractive.

"No matter what, I'm not really keen on attending any domestic auctions this year."

Most importantly, the green protective charms needed for the [detector] are really few and far between.

I took a sip of coffee, trying to clear my head with the bitterness, when something suddenly came to mind.

Not long ago, during my usual online exchange with Mahana, about equine medicine, she casually mentioned this suggestion.

"A Haozhou auction?"

Scratching their heads, Zepp and Rachel Ho looked on with surprise, as if asking, "What is this now?"

"That's right, it's Haozhou."

In addition to its native bloodlines, Australia also has shuttle stallions from North America, Europe, and Japan, and is therefore known for its rapid changes in mainstream bloodlines.

In other words, the auctions here usually showcase a variety of currently popular lineages.

"It might be inconvenient for horses from the Southern Hemisphere to compete in Japan, and the transportation alone would cost a lot of money."

Setting down the mug in his hand, Ravid frowned slightly and spoke.

"If it's a child who's better suited to Australian competitions, we'll buy them and train them locally so they can compete there."

Unlike in Japan, Australian horse racing has no economic restrictions on owners; almost anyone can become a racehorse owner.

It is said that in New South Wales, where Sydney is located, one in every 250 people is a registered horse owner.

Moreover, the conditions in Australian stables are much more relaxed than in Japan. Mahana has mentioned more than once that if anyone plans to become a horse owner in Australia, they should definitely send all their horses to him.

After this explanation, the members all had an "Oh, I see" look on their faces.

"Then, I have no problem on my end."

Lavid nodded, then turned and picked up the tablet.

What are the planned travel dates?

"It will probably last for two weeks, from the end of April to the beginning of May."

This time, we are preparing to participate in two auctions: the HTBA Yearling Auction and the Australian Weaned Foal Auction.

According to the Japanese classification, the former belongs to the auction of yearling horses, while the latter belongs to the auction of horses in the current year.

Although it sounds a bit strange, this is something that needs to be considered when participating in the Southern Hemisphere auction. "It'll be a bit of a long time, but I'll leave the ranch to you."

"Thank you for your hard work, Ravid."

Then, I leisurely spent the morning accompanied by the aroma of coffee.

According to the morning weather forecast, the minimum temperature in Gao County today has already exceeded five degrees Celsius.

The best time of year to vacation in Hokkaido is during this season; if I could, I would love to just stay idle and do nothing.

However, at 11:00 a.m., after the second round of stable inspections in the morning, they prepared to go out.

Today is the day I will meet with Professor Tanaka.

In the 21st century, wireless communication tools have become quite advanced. The monthly management and registration fees remitted to Reed can be received in just a few seconds.

But if possible, I would still prefer to communicate with those I'm connected with through a face-to-face meeting, a somewhat old-fashioned method.

Since it was a dinner party, after resting briefly at the racetrack, we went directly to Tanaka's stables.

Incidentally, the wall of celebrity delivery riders at the entrance always feels rather awkward no matter when you look at it.

However, if we consider the goal of "leaving a lasting impression," we must say that the promotion of Daoying Horse Racing has been quite successful.

When we arrived at the stables, the stable staff of Tanaka Stables were standing on the eaves of the stables setting up something that looked like a black sunshade.

It is said that in the summer, the roof is lowered along the railing to form an archway-like structure, used for heat protection in high-temperature environments.

This is a high-temperature countermeasure that Professor Tanaka learned from Kochi last year when he went there for an expedition and exchange program.

"Although the level of racing may be relatively weak, the trainers in Kochi have great expertise in dealing with steeplechaser and rest horse."

“So that’s how it is—”

Just as trainers in Saga are skilled at training the flexibility of horses on very tight tracks, trainers all over the country seem to have something that can be called a "secret technique".

They chatted as they walked into the stables and then arrived at the stable where Mejiro Spirit Horse was kept.

"This child—"

Tanaka frowned deeply, revealing an expression even more troubled than when Pegasus had caused trouble.

"She should still be able to try harder."

The next moment, however, came out of the trainer's mouth something that was somewhat unexpected.

"Because of her temperament, the stables initially arranged for her to undergo individual training."

As he said this, Tanaka tried to place his palm close to the stable fence.

The chestnut horse, separated by a fence, immediately lowered its ears.

"The results were not ideal, so we tried having her train with Guma, who has a gentler temperament."

With a flick of his wrist, when he opened his palm again, thinly sliced ​​carrots appeared as if by magic in his hand.

Megumi Reiko took a half step back, and when he raised his head, his face showed a shocked expression that said, "Wow, that's amazing!"

"Although there are still some stumbles along the way, we can finally make progress in our daily training."

He bowed deeply to the horse trainer in front of him.

"I'm really sorry to trouble you."

"It's nothing. After all, Ishikawa said something like, 'This kid should be able to run,' so as a trainer, of course I have to give it a try."

Tanaka immediately bowed his head, responded with a bow, and waved his hand.

After that, I had lunch with Tanaka and Ishikawa at a Chinese restaurant in the town.

I heard interesting stories about past horse racing from Ishikawa, a jockey of similar age, and Tanaka, who was even older. We also talked about many horse races that connected Tanaka and Ishikawa.

Before we knew it, we'd gone too far with our conversation.

Stepping outside from the air-conditioned restaurant, you are greeted by the dazzling sunshine of a spring midday.

(End of this chapter)