Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 42: Out of Control

8 month 17 day.

Even in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of the country, summer has officially arrived.

Kitano wiped the sweat that kept dripping from his forehead.

It was a very hot and humid afternoon, and the number of people in the stands was much smaller than usual.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Kitano."

The induction horse riders passing below the stands said hello.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Nanjing."

Kitano nodded slightly in greeting.

The deer hair under Nan Jing induced the horse to suddenly raise its hooves and let out a short neigh.

"This kid is cheering for the younger generation."

Patting the deer-hair horse's back, Nan Jing said with a smile.

"Ah, yes."

Kitano was a little absent-minded.

The induced horse named Mejiro Gozen was the last batch of horses produced by Mejiro Ranch.

Just like the flower whose fate is already determined after spring, Mejiro Gozen did not create the miracle that people expected.

After two defeats, Deer Hair Horse was eliminated from horse racing in 2011.

Perhaps it was the final blessing given by this title, or perhaps it was due to the horse's own luck.

In short, after being expelled from the race, Mejiro Gozen still remained in the racecourse, serving as a guiding horse.

Not long ago, it experienced a surge in popularity for no apparent reason.

Occasionally, on race days, there are enthusiastic horse fans who try to feed the horses.

After wagging his tail, Mejiro Gozen slowly walked towards the reviewing ground.

He still looks quite energetic.

Withdrawing his gaze, Kitano followed the induction horse and began to move towards the reviewing ground.

The direction of the reviewing ground was much more lively than before.

"I'll leave you to it today as well."

"Please leave it to me."

He raised his head and saw the muscles on Baima's shoulders trembling slightly.

"I'll leave it to you too."

Kitano said silently in his heart.

Then, he watched the rider and the horse go away.

Until it completely faded out of sight.

Back in the stands, the Xuhe family from the production ranch were all present.

Moreover, all three of them were dressed in formal attire.

Just like Kitano, he would sweat profusely in such weather.

Of course, apart from Ogawa Katsu, who has always been a little too active, there must be a reason why the producers would appear on the field.

This competition was established to encourage producers in Niikōngchō.

Therefore, only horses born in Shinkansen-cho and Honmachi can leave.

In addition to the normal bounty, the winning ranch will also receive the stallion from the Light Horse Association and priority breeding rights for the next year.

For many small and medium-sized ranches, it seems to be quite tempting.

"Pegasus looks to be in excellent condition, and there will be no problem with its coordination with Ochiai Rider."

After meeting with the three people from the ranch, Kitano spoke first.

"But it's a distance of 1,500 meters. I'm still a little worried—"

Ogawa Masaru had a worried expression on his face.

“Just do your best.”

Wiping the sweat off his face with a handkerchief, Ogawa Jō said.

Although he chose to attend the event in formal attire, he also did not have high expectations for Mu Tianma to win today's game.

The last time I ran 1200 meters, it seemed like a struggle.

The limit of the range is probably here.

The horse has grown one kilogram since the last race.

On the reed-haired horse, the extent of the change was completely invisible.

The competitors they have to face may have experienced rapid growth a few months after their debut.

".The fourth is the Demon King Opera, the fifth is the Three Winter Suns and Moons, and the sixth is Medo-Hakuba."

During the broadcast, the live broadcast has begun the introduction of the starting gate positions before the game.

"She has indeed grown, and her understanding of the game has matured a lot." Kanna Ogawa said, resting her chin on her right hand and pointing to the arena with her left.

"Really? How come I can't see that?"

Ogawa Sheng looked at her suspiciously.

Although I can feel some of Pegasus's physical growth, isn't it true that "understanding of the game" can only be detected when the horse is running?

"Of course it's because you're not as good as me."

Ogawa Kanna spoke calmly, as if stating some fact.

"Damn it. It's obviously me."

The boy's mumbling was instantly drowned out by a huge wave of noise.

【Mejiro】

This is the voice of support conveyed by many people.

Kitano, the horse owner, Ogawa Jō, the representative of the production ranch, and the quarreling brother and sister all raised their heads.

"That child is being loved by everyone."

Kitano slowly withdrew his gaze.

On the field, the gray figure shook his head up and down, as if responding to the fans' calls.

Then, he easily entered the gate.

The traction rope was loosened, and the white horse's front hooves were seen digging the ground slightly.

"Are you nervous?"

Ochiai lowered his head and looked at his partner beneath him.

Do not--

I guess it's excitement.

It is also excited about the upcoming game.

"Everyone has entered the gates. The fifth race is for the Shinkansen special."

"start!"

The moment the gate opened, the huge inertia pulled Ochiai's body.

Then, he fell uncontrollably onto the horse's back.

Medaihiram had a very good start.

but--

A little too excited.

He gently pulled the reins, trying to calm Muheima.

However, Medo Hirano showed no intention of slowing down.

"Just leave it to me!"

It seems that it thinks so.

"That's not okay."

While adjusting his riding posture, Ochiai manipulated the reins.

Avoiding the crowded horses on the inner track, he came to the leading position from the slightly wider route on the outside.

The expected good position is behind the leading group, around fourth or fifth.

Although several different tactics were formulated before the game, such changes were not expected.

At this unknown distance of 1500 meters, can we lead the way to the end?

I don't have much confidence in this.

However, it is impossible to retreat at this time.

I had no choice but to go ahead with it.

"Sixth-rank White Horse takes the lead, and half a horse's length behind is the third-rank Ruri-jin, and then the fifth-rank Sanfuyu Hizuki."

"Meteoruma managed to escape and entered the first turn with a lead of about a horse length."

Amidst the cheers and noise, sweat slowly began to seep out of Ochiai's face.

Although he didn't hold much hope, he subconsciously pulled at the reins.

It seemed that the excitement had passed, and the reed-haired horse actually slowed down.

Following the expected route slightly to the inside, I entered the curve very smoothly.

With a sigh of relief, Ochiai tilted his head.

It seemed that they had judged that the white horse would lose speed sooner or later, so the horses behind were not in a hurry to catch up.

"In this case."

A bold idea slowly emerged in my mind.

(End of this chapter)