Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 96 Weeping in the Barren Mountain
"It's a situation where you can run."

Observing Mejiro Sakuya during training, Ogawa Kana came to this conclusion.

"The gait looks very relaxed, and should be able to adapt to even a mixed track."

Huangshan also looked relieved.

As for Kitano and Zepu, they knew nothing about training.

However, after hearing the affirmation from the professionals, the two of them nodded pretentiously.

Looking away, Kitano focused on observing Mejiro Sakuya's gait.

After the horseshoe was replaced, it seemed that even the way the force was applied had become slightly different.

Although it is impossible to tell whether the training is good or bad, the gait seems to be relaxed whether walking or running.

There is no need to worry too much about the foot element.

Huangshan looked at the figures on the field and fell into thought for a while.

Although he didn't intend to put too much pressure on Mejiro Sakuya in training, he still decided to arrange a chase practice before the game.

There is no unrealistic expectation of setting an eye-catching time on an unfamiliar track.

I am quite satisfied if I can just adjust my pace a little bit.

However, the choice of the target to pursue is a bit awkward.

Generally speaking, the Japanese expeditionary force would set out only after completing the chase on the slopes of Ritto or Miho.

Local horse racing and European forces also have their own ways of dealing with the situation.

For Mejiro Sakuya, who travels overseas alone, it is not easy to find someone willing to cooperate with her.

"We can only take one step at a time."

Thinking of this, Huangshan turned his attention back to the track.

It looks like the training is almost over.

Mejiro Sakuya's body was slightly wet, but she didn't seem to be sweating too heavily.

After patting the deer-haired horse's wet head, Hetian jumped off the horse.

Ogawa Katsu took the opportunity to fasten the traction rope, and Mejiro Sakuya rubbed his face with her nostrils that were still clearly emitting white steam.

"It's the same sense of security as usual."

The rider said this as he took off his helmet.

Kitano had almost gotten used to Wada's overly brief reports, so he opened the insulated box and began to wrap ice packs around Mejiro Sakuya.

After shuddering, the deer-hair horse shook its tail uneasily.

Surprisingly, Mejiro Sakuya is the type that is not very cold-resistant.

In winter, it would only move after the stable boy put a rug on it.

Although he was originally a racehorse with a rather quiet personality.

"Is it okay?"

Huangshan asked with some concern as they walked towards the meeting venue temporarily provided by the competition venue.

Although it was not a high-intensity training, he couldn't help but feel a little worried considering the rising outdoor temperature in Saudi Arabia.

In order to allow the team to focus on training, he had previously rejected several media interviews.

But today, it's time to show the outside world Mejiro Sakuya's horse physical condition.

"The hoof is in good condition and the hoof wall temperature is normal."

Kitano nodded, silently estimating the time.

The ice packs wrapped around the deer-haired horse's limbs were untied before arriving at the venue.

Mejiro Sakuya pouted her upper lip, her three white eyes fixed on the ice pack in his hand.

"Huh, are you thirsty?"

Huangshan opened the bottle of mineral water in his hand and poured it all into Lumaoma's mouth in one breath.

Despite this, Mejiro Sakuya still had no intention of taking her eyes off Kitano's hand.

"You can't eat this, Sakuya."

Putting away the ice pack, Kitano smiled and patted its head.

Under the sunlight, the deer-mane horse's coat had a slightly oily sheen. In a relaxed atmosphere, the group arrived at the venue for the meeting.

Apart from a few reporters, there were also very few local horse racing fans.

After taking photos of the horse's body, the reporter quickly began interviewing the barren mountain.

"We don't have an advantage in any area, so we need more time to adjust than other opponents."

When asked why he chose to come to Saudi Arabia at such an early stage, the trainer responded:

The two reporters continued to ask about the reasons why the camp had repeatedly refused interviews before.

"She's very timid and sensitive, so we have to avoid any situations that might cause irritation."

Huangshan's face looked like he was about to cry.

The other people in the camp all gave him strange looks.

After the interview, Kitano almost believed that there really was a racehorse that was timid and sensitive, whose physical condition had not recovered well enough, and who was not mentally prepared for the expedition, and had come to Saudi Arabia with the camp.

"Is Arashiyama-sensei Sakuya's conditioning really that bad?"

On the way back to the stable, Kitano couldn't help but ask.

Although he had been optimistic before, he became a little unconfident after hearing Huangshan's speech in front of the media.

"What? Oh, Mr. Kitano, you mean an interview."

Huangshan looked a little surprised at first, but after he realized what was happening, he sighed.

"I'm sorry, but I don't like to say anything too strong in front of the media."

Taking off the baseball cap embroidered with "MEJIRO", the trainer lowered his head slightly and answered.

"While it's good to have confidence, it can also lead to putting pressure on the camp."

Huang Shan's voice sounded a little tired, and the gray at the ends of his hair was clearly spreading around.

Despite earning the nickname "Crying Mountain" for his often negative pre-game comments, he has no plans to change this habit.

“That’s what I mean—”

Kitano breathed a sigh of relief.

"What about the actual condition of the horse?"

Still seeming a little worried, he leaned forward slightly and asked.

"It's the same as the original conclusion. At least there's no problem with leaving for the competition."

Putting on his baseball cap awkwardly, Huangshan answered in a low voice.

"but."

After a slight hesitation, Huangshan still expressed his concerns about the pursuit.

"Is chasing Qie really that important?"

Kitano asked, somewhat puzzled.

Although he had the experience of chasing the horse before leaving for the All Japan 2-Year-Old Excellent Horse, it seems that the trainer Tanaka at the time did not seem to care too much about it.

"If you can, it's better to try it."

Huangshan lowered his chin and his body swayed slightly as the vehicle turned.

“Besides the focus on the chase and cut issues, there are also a lot of issues that can be seen when running alongside other horses.”

"Hmm—that's it."

Kitano nodded thoughtfully.

It seems he still has a lot to learn.

The conversation gradually turned into silence between the two and eventually ended in nothing.

"The one you're chasing after?"

Taking out his cell phone, Kitano typed words on the screen.

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(End of this chapter)