Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 345 May After the Cherry Blossoms

Walk through the stable corridor and along the resin gravel path to the familiar ranch lounge.

May, as I see it, is a time of clear skies and boundless sunshine.

At the second weaned foal auction of my trip to Australia, I successfully acquired Sherry 2027 for AU$91,000, slightly below my expected price.

During the post-auction interview, Ma Hanya, who was vying for the spotlight, jokingly remarked, "This is a horse that Kitano bought."

After careful consideration, the final decision was to import Dialta 2026 as an imported horse, while Shirley 2027 would remain in Australia and enter the Mahana stable.

While accompanying her to see the horses, Mahana believed that such an exaggerated physique should be able to unleash more potential, and she had high expectations for Shirley in 2027.

—Although when they first met, Shirley 27 displayed a spirit that made the Australian trainer frown.

Having successfully entrusted the first yearling horse I've purchased to Mahanes, the only remaining task for the Australian trip is transporting Dialta 26.

However, due to quarantine requirements upon arrival, the Dialta 26 will not officially debut at the ranch for at least another month.

As the ranch gradually returned to normal operations, we also received news of our familiar horse owners winning new horses.

While sending flower baskets and congratulations, I couldn't help but think, "Wow, everyone wins so early!"

Currently, I have one child under my name who is from Singapore and Malaysia.

but--

According to feedback from Tanaka, Meguro Reiko's retraining process is still not over.

Although rider Ishikawa suggested that "it's worth trying for your debut race," Tanaka still hopes to train at least the hoof's power generation to a level above the passing grade during the second training phase.

So, the horse owners obediently followed the advice of the horse trainer.

"We also need to start considering Dialta 26's training and entry into the stable after his return home, as well as the care of Mu-chan and Tsuki-ō."

As she was thinking this, she glanced at Mino and the shrine outside the ranch.

Only leaves remain on the cherry blossom tree next to the torii gate.

Even in the drainage ditches, there were no flower petals to be seen; the scenery before my eyes seemed to have switched to a vibrant green, like a pre-programmed slideshow.

Mejiro Ranch, located in Hidaka Mitsuishi, welcomed its cherry blossoms in full bloom on May 1st during my trip to Australia.

Because it rained both before and after, the actual cherry blossom season only lasted about three days.

At that time, I was so busy with the purchase of horses that I didn't even notice if anyone in the ranch group had posted photos of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

A little bit regretful.

but--

Shifting gaze, beneath the blue sky lies a vast expanse of lush green grassland, with gentle mountain ridges rising in the distance.

New grass has begun to grow on the grazing land.

It is said that every year around this time, the "Youjun" reporter will visit each of the breeding farms that produced the Derby descent horses, and without exception, the farm representatives will stand tall and utter the same phrase that has been repeated by countless breeders—

"That's a horse that can win the derby."

Of course, this scene is not really related to Mejiro Ranch for the time being.

Walking through the corridor connecting the entrance hall, and opening the paper sliding door, the lounge still has the familiar atmosphere.

"Hey, I've already treated you to such expensive Nama chocolate, you can't not support me, okay?"

Even so, Misaki's naming skills are really terrible!

"This is a bribe, a bribe—"

It appears they are discussing a topic related to naming conventions.

"President!"

"I support Kikuchi."

As he sat down, he answered in a half-joking manner.

"I don't want that kind of name anymore—"

Rachel Ho clutched her head and screamed in agony. However, the staff managed to receive the naming ideas for the two new members without incident.

To be honest, there weren't many that were pleasing to the eye.

After excluding the overseas duo of Ravid and Zep, whose Japanese proficiency fluctuates, the ideas submitted by the two female members were equally indescribable.

"What is a 'Moon Chariot'?"

"That child does look a bit like a camel."

While trying to defend herself, Rachel Ho gave Zepp a look that said, "It's all your fault."

Kikuchi, realizing he might win, smiled smugly.

However, her expression froze the next second.

"Kikuchi's moon isn't good either."

"Eh!"

Rachel Ho, who was watching this scene from across the low table, grinned smugly.

Images of Dialta running powerfully across the pastures, competing with horses of the same age, flashed through my mind.

"Personally, I still think Asayama-kun's Tsuyaku is more suitable for that child."

Contrary to her appearance, she actually has a lively personality.

"Mingming Yueda is also a very nice song—"

"That's my side!"

Faced with a significant lead in votes, the two girls in the group cried out in despair.

Moving on to the next topic, Rachel Ho again submitted the Chinese character "月影" (moon shadow).

So, it was rejected once again.

This time, the dice tested by Zeppu in Japanese seem to be a great success.

—Or rather, apart from the "Tsukiwa" he proposed, the others were all names like "Tsukiwa" or "Tsukiwa," which seemed unsuitable at first glance.

In an atmosphere even noisier than at the beginning, the naming convention for the "Moon" generation officially came to an end.

Including this year's auction plans.

"I definitely want to go to Australia again next year."

As soon as he said that, Ravid immediately looked quite embarrassed.

"Haha, Yueyue's bloodline is indeed very interesting, and if you look closely, he's quite cute too."

Zep patted the Indian man on the shoulder, as if to dispel the awkward atmosphere.

"Please reconsider the space in the stables, President."

In the end, Ravid could only shake his head helplessly.

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

"【Overseas Horse Racing】"

现地5日（金）19：38在美国丘吉尔园竞马场举行的肯塔基橡树赛马日垫场赛双尖草地短途锦标赛（G2）中，由日本骑手落合玄太（北海道·门别）策骑的下次好运因为展开不利仅获得9头出走马中7着的名次”

——《n○tkeiba》

"On the 6th, a fall occurred at the Group 1 British 2000 Guineas in Newmarket. Moya, riding Heart of Flint, and Rodon, riding Blade of Kings, received treatment on the track. Rodon's injuries were minor and he was able to leave the track on his own, while Moya was taken to the hospital."

Rodden's subsequent riding is not expected to be affected, while Moya's injury still needs further evaluation.

The Heart of Flint and the King's Blade have returned to the stables, largely unharmed except for some fright and minor scratches.

——TDN
“It’s tough. We don’t know how long he’ll be gone, but we’ll keep an eye on him.”

—Yue Boren
"Yue Boren said that Mo Aicheng may become part of Balidor in the next few months."

——Racing TV
(End of this chapter)