Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 368 Heartbeat Six Fulong

He responded to the well wishes of the fans around him as he walked toward the reviewing stand.

It's been a long time since I've felt this much anticipation for a match.

"It's so hot!"

Seeing the crowds at the entrance to the parade ground made the heat feel even more intense.

Thankfully, the mist blowing out sprayed water vapor that neutralized the sweltering heat of midsummer. Although I was still sweating profusely, I could feel the air becoming a bit cooler.

As the track began to buzz with activity, the horses began to appear one after another.

"Eh--"

The horse racing fans who had gathered at the entrance to the parade ground cheered.

I followed the gaze and almost made the same reaction.

Seemingly to avoid the nozzles placed at the end of the entrance passage, Noah, who was already walking close to the outer railing, slightly tilted his little ears back and took an exaggerated crab-like step that almost pulled the stableman to the ground.

Amidst the constant clicking of camera shutters, one could almost hear whispers like, "So it really is that child from the Golden Ship."

However, Noah quickly regained his composure after being reassured by the stable boy, and obediently followed behind the leash to accept the inspection.

Seemingly aware of the trouble he had caused not long ago, even when passing through the section where the water jets were operating, Deer Horse only showed an impatient expression that seemed to say, "Well, let's get this over with quickly."

"I was almost startled just now."

As they left the shelter of the rooftops and headed to the central green area of ​​the reviewing stand to meet their respective units, Division Commander Uchida patted his chest and said this.

It is said that the trainer was prepared to go up and help the stable boy stop Noah from going berserk.

—Although it's completely useless.

Jokes aside, Uchida gave both Noah and Pegasus very high praise.

"No matter what kind of training it is, it can complete it with all its might, and the adjustment of the horse's body is also very smooth."

Perhaps because of the sudden increase in the number of strong horses around him during training, Pegasus, who was originally somewhat carefree, became unusually serious.

Noah's weight remained at 486 kilograms after the transport to Zhongjing, a change of 5 kilograms from the previous weight.

According to Uchida, although the horse was slightly larger than expected, the extra five kilograms were largely due to the lack of hindquarter muscle.

Judging from the performance at the reviewing stand, the sense of pressure was indeed greater than in the previous match.

—If it weren't for his drooping ears and dejected look.

"It's less about growth and more like a state of physical improvement!"

Looking at Noah on the reviewing stand, Uchida's tone revealed obvious joy.

—Guys from the South Kanto region seem to love to say things that are hard for others to understand, but I would like to express my gratitude once again to the trainers who were willing to take over Noah and Pegasus during the season.

As if to dispel the awkward atmosphere, after a brief commotion, the fans began chanting Noah's name in support.

"Seventh race, on horseback—"

At the command of the racecourse management committee, the riders waiting in front of the starting line took their steps simultaneously.

The military historian, dressed in a white and green robe with a single sash, which was slightly different from the one worn by the emperor, quickly jogged over to the front.

Please take good care of me today!

The rider stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Not at all, not at all. We're counting on you for today as well, Yokoyama-kun."

After exchanging pleasantries, they only exchanged a few words about the competition.

Despite the pre-race hype, Uchida's team didn't put too much pressure on the rider, merely repeating reminders like, "That kid's hindquarters might struggle a bit on the slope." Before Noah could duck to avoid the nozzle again, Uchida, having finished explaining everything, had already helped the rider onto the horse.

"Finally, I can leave this place."

As Noah strode away from the reviewing stand with light steps, he seemed to hear these words.

Squeezing through the sweltering crowd and finally settling into Chairman Ma's empty seat, the pre-match music just ended at the Kouji venue, which was just a window away.

"The seventh race today at Zhongjing Racecourse, a Group 3 international race, CBC Award, 1200 meters turf, track condition."

I tried adjusting the volume because the speakers on the seats were a bit too loud.

Although I just missed the announcement about the race track's condition, the Chukyo Circuit, which was recently maintained at the end of July, seems to be in good condition for a good start.

Thinking this, I looked up at the straight line directly opposite where I was starting.

The departure point of the gate box was completely blocked by the electronic screen further ahead.

Just as I was debating whether to make do with the electronic screen or turn on my phone, the competition began.

The moment the gate popped open, it seemed as if I could hear gasps of surprise coming from the lower stands.

He quickly looked up at the screen, where one of the various winning outfits and hats was clearly moving forward.

Seemingly because of a decent start, Wu Shi adopted a rather aggressive forward-attacking strategy in the initial stages.

"Is everything alright?"

Such concerns quickly dissipated as Noah's powerful strides gradually drew closer to the inside rail. At the junction of the third and fourth turns, the deer-haired horse, which had initially been in a disadvantageous position, was still running in an excellent inside lead position.

However, my heart clenched again the next second.

As they climbed the slope, the gap narrowed at a visible speed, with the herd of horses poised to pounce behind them unleashing their power.

As the distance between them continued to close, the cheers grew louder and louder.

But on the screen, Wu Shi's reins remained steady, and he patiently gazed ahead through his goggles.

—Until the 200-meter marker of the Fron pole flashed past in my peripheral vision.

After the first lash of the whip, the deer-haired horse had already realized its partner's intention. Before the second lash could be delivered, it bit the bit tightly, squeezing every last bit of power from its body.

The gap was firmly fixed at half a horse's length.

Leaving his opponents far behind, the moment the fugitive crossed the finish line, the entire stands were completely engulfed in cheers.

"call--"

After confirming the results on the bulletin board, I finally let out a long sigh.

No matter how many times I do it, my heart can't handle the pressure of a short-distance race.

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

【CBC Award】

Mejiro Noa (Miura Uchida Stable), transferred from the local Saga region, won by escaping a cut, marking Mejiro's first big-prize victory since re-registering under the Central title.
Division Uchida

"The excellent physique that has continued from the spring front has played a role, and (rider Takeshi Yokoyama) has also been quite decisive in his riding."

Although it was a horse that started to gain momentum a little later, the two consecutive wins of the Turf Grand Prix demonstrated its peak performance.

*The horse that left under the name of the central owner "Mejiro Ranch" has won both of its two races, achieving a 100% win rate so far in August.
下一场比赛为8月27日的新潟2岁S（G3·芝1600米），目白宝祚（牡2）将继续搭档前走的戴文高骑手”

——《n○tkeiba》

(End of this chapter)