Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 81 Three-person Expedition

The next day, Kitano got up very early.

Last night, I was deeply troubled by the question of whether an expedition was necessary.

It can almost be called a vortex of consciousness.

However, I still forced myself to fall asleep according to my usual schedule.

The mind is in a state of clarity for the time being.

After checking out, I took a taxi.

On the way, yesterday's thoughts continued in my mind.

In Mejiro Sakuya's three-year-old season, the safest choice is undoubtedly the dirt track triple crown route.

Then there's the slightly more compromised scenario of heading to the Kentucky Derby via the Road to Japan.

There is also the most risky route to the Middle East.

Three different options flashed alternately in my mind, and soon I was back to the familiar dilemma.

If you are a simple businessman or horse racing enthusiast, you can easily choose between the three.

I am not an avid horse racing enthusiast, nor can I view racehorses as purely commodity animals.

Kitano, caught in an awkward position between the two, was unable to make a decision.

The taxi soon arrived at the ranch entrance.

Even when they reached the door of the stable, they still had no clear idea about the expedition.

Led by a training assistant, we arrived at the lounge.

A man was staring at the computer screen intently, his hands typing quickly on the keyboard.

It was not until the training assistant coughed lightly several times that the man finally turned his head.

"Ah, it's Mr. Kitano."

Huangshan nodded slightly, his red and swollen eyes were obviously bloodshot.

"Regarding overseas expeditions, does Mr. Kitano have any new ideas?"

His voice was calm and restrained, but what he said surprised Kitano a little.

He frowned slightly and thought for a moment.

While Kitano was thinking, Huangshan continued, "As for me, I spent a little time learning the relevant knowledge."

"However, the expedition is not as easy as imagined."

He tried to move the corners of his mouth, but an even more bitter expression appeared on his face.

"I also received similar advice from my acquaintances."

Kitano echoed somewhat vaguely.

"However, the rules allow it, and judging by our strength, we can run the race. We can also think of ways to allocate personnel."

"It would be a shame not to try it."

The next sentence was not spoken.

Mr. Kitano is not a horse owner with a lot of money.

The initial cost of the Middle East expedition, even with the greatest possible savings, exceeded 700 million yen.

Taking into account the continuous consumption, the amount that the horse owner needs to invest suddenly reaches more than 10 million yen.

For most small and medium-sized horse owners, this is a huge expense that they cannot accept in any way.

The pursuit of dreams should not be based on the tolerance of horse owners.

Thinking of this, my originally swollen and painful head suddenly felt much more relaxed.

"How's it going in the stables?"

Kitano asked as he pulled his chair closer to the spot in front of the barren mountain.

“It’s not an ideal situation.”

Huangshan shook his head and told the truth.

At this point, the dream of a great overseas country should have come to an end.

“So can the Saudi Derby be run?”

Tilting his head slightly, Kitano asked in a calm tone.

"That's true from the perspective of the horses' strength, but the stables are likely to become a drag."

“Is there still room for experimentation on the part of the rider?”

"How about Uchida Hiroyuki and Taketoyo-san from the central office? They're both smart people."

"How confident are you?"

"It's hard to say, Mr. Takeru, but Uchida should accept the commission."

In this straightforward conversation that seemed like a pre-operative consultation, the two people's emotions gradually calmed down.

"How about rider Norihiro Yokoyama?"

"He is quite reliable in terms of experience and has experience riding in the Middle East."

"Then let's consider him too." The pace of the conversation quickened.

The two of them had expressions like surgeons about to perform surgery.

Your disease is here, so cut it open -

That's exactly how it feels.

"What's the actual situation at the stables?"

"No one has overseas experience, very few are willing to go abroad, and most of them even have a hard time learning English."

"Then we have to consider translation as well. Are we adequately staffed?"

"Not quite enough, especially for the stable boys."

"What about the expedition's procedures or rules?"

“It’s also to the extent that I’ve basically never had any contact with it.”

"I understand."

As these words ended, the air between them deflated like a punctured balloon.

Funds are limited, the main battle riders are undecided, and the stables are completely insufficient to cope with overseas expeditions.

This is the harsh reality that needs to be faced.

Both of them showed a bitter smile on their faces at the same time.

"Since we can run now, I'd like to ask Master Huangshan to hold on a little longer."

Staring at the trainer's red and swollen eyes, Kitano suddenly said.

The corners of his mouth gradually became tense.

After a period of silence, Huangshan nodded.

"it is good."

He replied.

A cold wind blew through the window, and the two of them couldn't help but shiver.

"So, regarding the riders, is it okay to invite Wada, Taketoyo, Yokoyama Nori, and Uchida in this order?"

"No problem. I'll also do my best to gather intelligence on matters related to the Middle East Road and the Kentucky Derby."

"Thank you for your help. We will also work hard to gather information here at the stables."

then--

Under such simple and ridiculous conditions, the Kentucky Derby expedition team of Oi Huangshan Stable was officially established.

The current number of people is two.

Rather than a team, it would probably be more appropriate to call it a gang or a den.

At this time, there was a knock on the door.

After getting permission, a somewhat unfamiliar face walked into the lounge door.

"You are Master Huangshan, right?"

After looking back and forth between the two of them for a while, the short, thin man asked towards the barren mountain.

"Yes, I am the barren mountain."

Standing up from his seat, Huangshan nodded.

"I'm the rider Ryuji Wada, please give me your guidance."

The man bowed slightly, raised his head and asked cautiously, "I don't know about the expedition you mentioned on the phone yesterday."

"We've made our decision, and the goal is the Kentucky Derby."

Huangshan's voice was extremely calm, not as enthusiastic as when the Kentucky Derby was first mentioned.

"Then there will be no problem on my side."

Wada also nodded calmly.

"Since this is a long-term assignment, I'll likely be spending a considerable amount of time overseas next year. Is that okay?"

At this time, Kitano stood up and asked.

"This is Mr. Kitano, the horse owner."

Huangshan was introducing the scene on the side.

Wada bowed slightly in greeting.

After a brief pause, he continued, "No problem."

The Kentucky Expedition consisted of three people.

There are 131 days left until the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

　Thanks to the Moon in the Sea for the 1000 starting coins and the Phantom Shot Down King for the 500 starting coins.

　　Thank you for your support

　　Ciallo～(∠ω<)⌒★
　　
　
(End of this chapter)