Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

"NO."

After a brief hesitation, Hetian shook his head.

The "Overseas Expedition Precautions: United States Edition" co-authored by Ogawa Kana, Kitano, and Arashiyama has been circulated within the camp for a long time.

"Don't feed racehorses anything that is unsafe, and don't let strangers feed them."

Such warnings are placed quite prominently.

Although he didn't doubt the child, Hetian didn't want to destroy the rules that the camp had jointly maintained.

"but--"

Pulling the reins, the rider continued, "You can touch her."

As a result, many spectators at the front of the railing leaned out and reached out to touch various parts of Mejiro Sakuya's body.

The deer-haired horse tilted its head inward and lowered it slightly to match the audience's movements.

"It looks fine."

The heat in my ears was gradually replaced by peace.

For Hotan, this was also a completely unfamiliar experience.

In Japan, a game is just a game.

Although there are also many enthusiastic horse fans, the horses, riders and even the competition itself——

It is such concrete things that they yearn for.

But in the United States, the picture is different.

Horse racing fans dressed up as if they were attending a feast, regardless of wind or rain.

In Churchill Gardens, revelry is the reason they come here.

After the parade-like training, the six people in the camp gathered in front of the stables.

“The horseback felt just as smooth as usual, with no stage fright at all.”

Hetian, a rider, was the first to report.

"Thanks a lot."

Putting down the list of notes in his hand, Huangshan nodded and said lightly.

The Kentucky Derby, like the Breeders' Cup Series, maintains the tradition of having officials draw the prizes.

This is undoubtedly a good thing for the expedition team, which generally has bad luck.

At the draw ceremony yesterday afternoon, Mejiro Sakuya drew the fifth position among twenty horses.

It’s hard to say whether it’s good or bad. After the draw results came out, the camps just had a brief discussion and put it aside for the time being.

The specific escape strategy will not be determined until the end of the Yashibao Championship.

Unlike the other four strong horses that were determined to win, both the Yue Boren Stables and the Huangshan Stables regarded this warm-up race on the Oaks Day as a warm-up before the main race.

Katuna's gate position in the Ascot Stakes was second among the six runners.

Worried that the chestnut horse's not-so-outstanding physique would put it at a disadvantage in a collision, Wada put forward a more conservative initial plan after the gate draw for the Yashibao Stakes was completed.

"You can ride however you want, the important thing is to get as familiar with the racing as possible."

As for the rider's riding expectations, Master Huangshan did not give any advice as usual.

Leave the initiative of judging the competition to the rider——

This was the decision Huangshan made after watching videos of previous Kentucky Derbys many times.

In such a chaotic situation where there is no concrete situation to speak of, anything can happen.

Compared to the guys standing on the sidelines, the riders on horseback can immerse themselves in the complex trends of the game.

Both his talent as a trainer and his experience in the Kentucky Derby are far inferior to those of his potential opponents.

Rather than making rash decisions, it is better to try your best after ensuring that it will not cause any trouble.

Huangshan has a clear understanding of the role he plays.

"Since there are no problems, let's train tomorrow and the day after tomorrow to maintain our form."

As he said this, the trainer began to stretch Mejiro Sakuya on flat ground.

The rare sunshine in Kentucky in early summer hit his back, and he subconsciously pursed his lips as he exerted force on his wrist.

Soon, beads of sweat covered Huangshan's forehead.

The event staff who were looking for promotional materials took the opportunity to capture this scene.

"How's she doing, TEARMAN?"

After pressing the shutter, the staff asked with a smile.

TEARMAN——

This is a nickname given by an American journalist.

Even in faraway Kentucky, the frequent negative remarks during interviews with Barren Mountain quickly created a reputation for him.

Of course, it cannot be said to be the positive side.

This nickname gradually spread in Churchill Park, and reporters, racecourse staff and even some fellow trainers began to call Tarman "TARMAN".

But the trainer seemed unfazed.

Just like the name "Crying Wild Mountain" in the past, Wild Mountain accepted this new nickname with a smile.

“She’s ready for the Kentucky Derby.”

The trainer raised his head and replied, but quickly returned to focusing on the task at hand.

How many times have you traveled so far to circle the earth?

Huangshan himself has no exact number for this.

Starting from Xiaolin Ranch, to the King Abdulaziz Stadium in Riyadh, then to the Meydan Stadium in Dubai, and finally the end of the journey -

Churchill Gardens in Louisville.

In just three months, I have traveled back and forth between the four countries so many times that I can hardly count them.

In a true sense, it can be said to be a long journey traveling east and west.

During this period, the work on the well cannot be put on hold.

Faced with situations that cannot be solved by remote work, even commuting within the same day has become commonplace.

The trainer watched as Ogawa Masaru escorted Mejiro Sakuya into the stable.

It was not until a long time later that he slowly looked away.

It is far from time to relax.

Thanks to Yabai Desne for the 100 starting coins reward

Thank you for your support

Ciallo～(∠ω<)⌒★

Chapter 121: Yashibao Championship in the Rain

On the first day of May, the air was filled with the smell of dampness.

Thick dark clouds painted the earth gloomy, and soon it began to rain.

Even so, the entrance to Churchill Gardens was still crowded.

Everywhere there is a vibrant explosion of colors and sounds.

In the preparation room, six riders in colorful clothes stood up one after another.

When they opened the door, they were greeted with enthusiastic cheers.

Like countless other riders who have achieved greatness in Churchill Park, Hetian weaves his way through the crowds of well-dressed riders.

A few minutes later, the team of riders arrived at the open-air stables where they had left before their departure.

The racehorses at Churchill Park will be saddled here and head to the racecourse to the cheers of thousands of people.

"It looks a little nervous!"

Huangshan, who was adjusting the bit for Katuna, shouted loudly.

The surroundings were so noisy that they had to raise their voices when communicating.

The chestnut horse's three white eyes were fixed on the front, and its front hooves had been digging the ground continuously since a while ago.

Hetian patted its neck and clearly felt the tense muscles.

"no problem."

It's just gearing up and getting ready for the upcoming game.

Kitano squatted on the ground and carefully examined the condition of Katuna's joints.

Although he had passed the pre-race physical examination by the event's veterinarian, he still wanted to confirm it in person.

"My muscles are a little tight."

Turning his head to avoid the whistling ponytail, Kitano stood up and said.

He touched Katuna's head, which was slightly wet with sweat, trying to prevent him from getting too excited before the game.

The chestnut horse quickly shook off his grip and let out a short neigh with its nostrils flared.

"Okay, as long as you like it."

So he nodded to Wada.

"please."

After bowing slightly, Kitano stepped aside.

With the help of the trainer, Hetian climbed onto the horse's back.

"Come on, uncle!"

Outside the open-air stable, the brown-haired man clenched his fist in encouragement.

The boy with a short haircut silently held the little girl's hand.

On that face that looked very similar to Hetian, the lips and teeth moved slightly.

The crowd was noisy and the boy's words were completely drowned out by the din.

Hetian pursed his lips, grasped the reins and began to move towards the parade circle.

The cool touch of raindrops on the back of his hand made him even calmer.

Pulling the reins stopped Katuna from biting the horse's mane.

"He's such a bad boy!"

The rider of the inducing horse smiled and patted his partner to comfort him.

Wada nodded awkwardly, then put on his goggles before entering the gate.

While waiting, Katuna's front hooves slightly stirred up the mud in front of him.

"Something is wrong."

Catching this movement, Hetian subconsciously tightened the reins.

Then, the last runner was led into the gate.

The guide got behind the racehorse and closed the rear door with one hand.

“They’re—”

The bell rang and the gates popped open.

"In the Alysheba!"

The next moment, the live broadcast was completely drowned out by thunderous cheers.