Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

The next second, the live broadcaster grabbed the microphone and shouted hoarsely: "The game is over!"

Chapter 171 The Winds of Change

The moment the gate popped open, Hetian on the saddle keenly noticed something unusual.

"So fast!"

Although to be honest, it was just an ordinary exit.

For Mejiro Sakuya, this level of exit is enough to be called a feat.

"In that case, let's try a position closer to the front."

In the second half of the year after returning from the United States, Hetian's riding style underwent a significant change.

Especially when on muddy ground, they often adopt strategies that seem more radical to others.

However, both the winning rate and the ranking rate have indeed seen a certain improvement.

"Just treat it as a warm-up match."

Similar instructions were received from both the trainer and the owner before the race.

then--

In the last game of his career, Wada boldly chose a tactic that Mejiro Sakuya had never used before.

The deer-haired horse, who returned to the competition after a long break, was a little hesitant, but when Wada waved the whip lightly, she took a step forward without hesitation.

Holding the reins tightly, the rider urges the horse forward extremely vigorously after leaving the gate.

"Ah! So fast! Mejiro Sakuya has reached the two in front now. How will Mr. Caesar, the leader, respond?"

Aoshima shouted loudly, his already high-pitched tone becoming even louder.

Dark and deer-colored figures rushed past, and the thunderous cheers of 60,000 spectators resounded through the sky.

A trace of determination flashed across the face of the young rider in the shrimp-colored winning suit.

"How can you give up here!"

With the belief that he would win, Sakai put his whole body and soul into a desperate fight.

In response, Wada skillfully controlled the pace and followed not far behind Mr. Caesar.

"Mr. Caesar and Mejiro Sakuya, the strongest of the Central and Local Classic Years, took first and second place respectively, passing through the stands to the cheers of tens of thousands of people!"

At the front of the railing, Kitano and Huangshan had a look of surprise on their faces.

Even they hadn't imagined it would unfold like this.

Turning into the first bend, the first thing that broke my balance was the dark figure in front.

If Mejiro Sakuya were to be allowed to easily take the lead, they would definitely lose—

Sakai's rider's instincts prompted him to push early.

The deer-haired racehorse approached calmly from the inner pen.

The two riders raised their whips one after another.

Sakai, who believed in Mr. Caesar's ability, and Wada, who trusted Mejiro Sakuya, engaged in a fierce battle on the curve.

When Mr. Caesar was about to rush forward, Mejiro Sakuya was already following closely behind him.

This is not the traditional strategy of reserving the last leg to win the game in the straight, but an attempt to suppress the opponent's determination with strength.

The sudden and violent attack instantly aroused enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

Aoshima also raised his voice and shouted hoarsely, "Mr. Caesar is in the lead! Mr. Caesar is still in the lead, and behind him is Sakuya Mejiro from the third division!"

"Are we going to have a showdown here?!"

Formerly known as "Aki no Saddle," it was renamed the Tokyo Daisaiden Regional Grand Prix in 1964 and adopted a voting system similar to the Arima Kinen.

At this moment, known as the "Mud Horse Memorial", the same image flashed through the minds of some horse fans:

A double T fight at the Grass Court Grand Prix in 1977.

Countless eyes were focused on the two racehorses in the front.

Every time the two figures flashed across the screen, the stands shook.

Every subtle movement was captured, and the tense atmosphere almost froze.

The dark and deer-colored figure shook off the herd of horses behind and charged into the opposite straight line with the momentum of tearing through space.

Aoshima shouted quickly, as if entering a state of state: "Is it going to turn into a one-on-one duel? As expected, it turned into a one-on-one duel!"

Amidst the flying white sand, Mejiro Sakuya and Mr. Caesar walked through the front section of the straight, one after the other.

Amidst heavy breathing, white sweat gradually began to form around Mr. Caesar's waist.

No matter how hard Sakai on the saddle urged, he could not shake off the deer-hair racehorse behind him.

Like a lazy beast showing its claws, Hetian swung the whip in his hand at this moment.

The powerful rhythm and breathing rhythm transmitted through the bit tells the rider:

This is the real Mejiro Sakuya!

That streak of black was suddenly pulled back to the back of the head.

After catching a glimpse of Mr. Caesar gradually falling behind, Wada turned his head and looked past the flying black braids.

The road ahead is smooth.

"No! No! I won't let Mr. Caesar counterattack! The gap has widened! The gap has widened—"

The fantasy of a duel between two strong opponents was completely shattered halfway through the straight, and it turned into a one-man show by Mejiro Sakuya.

"Mejiro Sakuya is in first place! Mejiro Sakuya is in first place! Mr. Caesar, the winner of the Mud Track Classic, has fallen to second place! But Sakai Rusei in the yellow hat is still whipping. Sakai Rusei hasn't given up yet!"

Mejiro Sakuya didn't even spare a glance at the man and horse who still had fighting spirit.

The loud sound of hooves crushed Sakai's self-esteem along with the suspense of the game.

"However--"

Aoshima's passionate commentary resounded through the air.

“This is the wind of change that is sweeping through generations!!!”

"Wada Ryuji, the ultimate beauty is achieved!"

"After 20 years, the Tokyo Grand Prix is ​​finally back!"

Wada clenched his right fist, waved a victory sign, took off his goggles, and patted Mejiro Sakuya's wet neck.

The deer-haired horse panted slightly and stuck out half of its tongue.

Huangshan loosened his tie, and felt as if something was blocking his throat, making it difficult for him to speak.

Finally, the trainer sighed and said softly, "That's wonderful."

Amidst the applause of the audience, Mejiro Sakuya was led to the winner's zone of the Oi Racecourse for the first time.

Although the game is over, the audience's passion remains undiminished.

The damp and cold air clings to the skin, and this dampness that usually makes people feel a little uncomfortable now brings a subtle sense of comfort.

A lingering feeling of satisfaction quietly flowed through the stands.

"Sakuya is really strong!"

“It’s great to be able to finish the race safely.”

"Master Huangshan finally won the Grand Prize Ceremony again."

The feelings gradually gathered together and flowed out from the mouths of horse fans like a trickle of water.

Various thoughts are intertwined and entangled, and the long-cherished wish that transcends time finally has a response.

And in the stands, in the dormitories in Miho or Ritto, beyond the clouds—

Countless riders couldn't help but feel excited.

------------

"[@nar_keiba：

【Tokyo Grand Prix Results】

One move 3 eyes white Sakuya

Second move 6 Mr. Caesar

1. Biji Baru

The 72nd Tokyo Grand Prix (G1) was dominated by Mejiro Sakuya, ridden by Ryuji Wada.

This is the first time a local horse has won the Tokyo Grand Prix since 2005."

- National Association of Racing (NAR) Formula

@koou1594:

Mejiro Sakuya is really strong!!!]"

——21st Century Master Horse Production Committee

“Unbeaten Kentucky Oaks runner Happy Days has confirmed his acceptance into the Dubai World Cup.

Yue Boren: "This is a rare opportunity, we must try."

——World Pool

Chapter 172 The End of the Year

Walking from the inside of the track near the railing to the measuring area, Hetian took off his helmet and greeted the horse fans over and over again.

"Wada——"

A uniform Hotan Call rang out from the crowd.

The corners of his slightly pursed mouth melted at this moment, and a smile couldn't help but well up in the rider's heart.

When they arrived at the unsaddle area, stable boy Katsumasa Ogawa and trainer Arashiyama hugged each other to celebrate their victory.

After dismounting and removing the saddle, the rider hugged the two of them respectively.

"It's really great."

The top hat in his hand was clenched until it was deformed, and Huangshan kept repeating these words.

The tears that had been suppressed for so long finally couldn't be held back and fell.

When he was riding, he was just celebrating normally.

Looking at the three people entangled together, Mejiro Sakuya blinked in confusion.

However, the deer-haired horse soon tilted its head and enjoyed Ogawa Katsu's caress.

"We finally won the domestic first-class competition, President."

"Next year at the Grand Prix, I'll get my family together to vote for Sakuya!"

“It’s great to be able to return to the court in this state.”

On the way to the Kuchitori ceremony, Kitano stopped and bowed again and again.

"Thank you very much for your support. After the race, Mejiro Shoji will distribute free merchandise to local fans as usual."

There was another cheer from the crowd.

Then, a whole row of dazzling signature boards were handed over the railing.

"President Kitano, how about..."

The staff member asked politely with a smile.

"No, there's still time."

Kitano shook his head slightly, and the tip of the pen moved smoothly across the signature pad.