Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 103 NAR Grand Prix 2025
On February 28, Kitano returned to Japan from the Middle East.

Then, we rushed from the airport to the venue of the "NAR Grand Prix 2025" commendation ceremony.

After taking a short nap in the car, I was still in a pretty bad state of mind.

Although Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are geographically close, their horse racing systems are very different.

In the past few days, Kitano, as the horse owner and the camp veterinarian, has had almost no time to rest.

However, Mejiro Sakuya recovered well after the transportation, and her weight even reached 509KG after the recovery period, forcing her to consider reducing her weight.

In addition, the Happy Times camp went directly to the United States after the Saudi derby.

The next race was the Ashland Stakes in early April.

After confirming that the other party was taking the Kentucky Oaks Trail, several members of the expedition team breathed a sigh of relief.

The fools like them who let their mares go the Derby route are indeed in the minority.

Arriving at the hotel where the commendation meeting was held, Kitano barely managed to open his heavy eyelids.

When we arrived at the designated seats, people related to the sect had already arrived.

Kitano greeted them one by one, and then chatted with them while drinking before the commendation ceremony officially began.

From the heavy snow in winter to this year's two-year-old horses, and then to Mejiro Sakuya's expedition.

Then, the topic turned back to Menbetsu Mekuhira.

"Pegasus's flexibility has improved recently, and the muscles in his forelimbs have become slightly thicker."

Tanaka's pursed lips curved slightly.

“By the time April rolls around, it’ll definitely surprise you.”

He said with a smile, smoothing his thinning hair.

Miracles, of course, come at a price.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Kitano raised his glass to salute the trainer.

"No, it is I who should thank you for delivering Pegasus to the stables."

Tanaka also raised the glass in his hand.

"By the way, how did Hattori-san's trainer exam go?"

After putting down the wine glass, Kitano asked curiously.

"The planned opening date is April."

Hattori smiled shyly.

"Then next time we meet, you have to address me as Hattori-sensei!"

Kitano then showed a happy expression.

"No, the riders and stable boys are still clueless, and the stables have only just been cleaned up."

Hattori quickly waved his hand: "It's too early to talk about this now."

"Then the stables are located at Monbie, right?"

It seemed that the stage had already reached the stage of commendation.

However, whether it is the rewards for excellent riders or excellent trainers, it has nothing to do with them for the time being.

Tanaka rushed to answer for Hattori, "That bastard Shigeshi ran off to Saga without saying a word!"

"Saga?"

Kitano's eyes became a little surprised.

"As I get older, I want to move back to a place closer to my hometown."

Smiling and patting his waist, Hattori continued, "Besides, the winter in Hokkaido is really too cold."

"That's right."

Kitano nodded.

Saga and Hokkaido are almost at the opposite ends of the country.

It won’t be easy to meet again.

"But in winter, it's actually not that bad."

As a spiritual citizen of Hokkaido, Kitano subconsciously refuted it.

Orthodox Taoists Tanaka and Kimura also joined the condemnation.

"So what about Xuantai?"

After a few jokes, he turned to the silent rider and struck up a conversation. During the winter, Ochiai took advantage of the short-term exemption system to work as a temporary rider in the South Kanto region for a few months.

The win rate seems pretty good.

“The riders in Nanguan are very good.”

Ochiai straightened his back and answered somewhat stiffly.

In the gate, only an average level of effort is needed to suppress most riders.

But after arriving in South Kanto, we have to give our all in every game to have a chance of winning.

In the center above this, and even in the world—

What will it look like?

I clenched my fists unconsciously.

"Xuan Tai's push is still the same as before, otherwise he would have won a few more games at Nanguan."

While teasing his disciple, Tanaka's tone was filled with regret.

"I'm sorry, Master."

Ochiai lowered his head in shame.

Although he has been consciously training his core strength since last winter.

However, building muscle while maintaining your weight is not as easy as initially thought.

"I'll be there for the UAE Derby and the Kentucky Derby too!"

Kimura's face was flushed beyond the level of being drunk.

Derby, a local horse that went to a foreign country——

For horse breeders, this is an achievement worth bragging about for a lifetime.

So, despite having many concerns about the expedition from the beginning, he gritted his teeth and provided funding for the assistance.

"It's too early to talk about the Kentucky Derby."

Not being dazzled by Mejiro Sakuya's performance in the Saudi derby, both Kitano and the others in the camp were preparing for the UAE derby at the original pace.

They showed strong competitiveness in the previous game, but suddenly became sluggish in the next game due to various reasons.

This isn't an uncommon occurrence in the horse racing world.

As a new team with almost no overseas experience, all they can do is work hard.

"Next is the recognition for the best two-year-old mare."

Several people sitting at the table raised their heads.

Is it finally here?

The time is 8:30 in the evening.

Almost an hour and a half had passed since the "NAR Grand Prix 2025" commendation ceremony began.

I'm starting to feel a little hungry.

At least serve some cold dishes first.

Kitano wrote this on the NAR feedback form.

Although I’m not sure if I’ll have the chance to come next year.

Standing up, Kitano walked to the front of the stage under the gazes of all kinds of people.

In addition to the horse owner Kitano, the attendees who attended the ceremony included Tanaka, who served as a trainer during the Monbetsu period, and two riders, Hattori and Ochiai. Kimura from the production ranch was also invited.

"Mejiro Sakuya from Hokkaido won the JBC Two-Year-Old Outstanding Horses in the Central and Local Exchange Grand Prize Walking Race, demonstrating a tenacious stamina that rivals even that of a stallion."

The female manager will begin to introduce Mejiro Sakuya's achievements.

"Mejiro Sakuya's goal is the Kentucky Derby, right, Mr. Kitano?"

When receiving the commendation trophy from NAR Chairman Hiroshi Saito, who was in charge of presenting the award, the other party took the opportunity to ask.

Kitano nodded calmly and replied, "For now, that's correct."

"Then you must do your best. If you have any difficulties, please come to me!"

Saito immediately changed into a rather happy expression.

As the shutter clicked, the two of them held up the trophy together.

　Thanks to Wanyifei for the 500 starting coins, and thanks to Maomaochichengzhuzhu for the 500 starting coins.

　　Thank you for your support

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