Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

If the results on grass are not satisfactory——

If you get hurt—

He only knew how to run at his own pace and hardly ever cooperated with the ideas of Sasakawa and his assistant trainers. Atalanta during training was such a troublesome horse.

but--

After returning to the stable after training, Atalanta was still the timid and naughty chestnut pony.

He likes to eat apples and carrots. Sometimes he sticks out his tongue and plays with the stable boys. He also behaves well when scolded.

He did not want Atalanta to rashly go to the grassland when she was still immature both physically and mentally.

"Bastard Sasakawa."

But, as the rider said.

Today is the registration deadline for the Tulip Viewing.

The final moment of decision has arrived.

"I'm so sorry, President."

Majima, who rushed over from the stable after opening the paper door, clasped his hands together and repeated words of apology on his flattering face.

Kitano just warmly invited him to sit down.

After filling the three people's cups with tea, he slowly spoke.

"That's right, tulip viewing is indeed not suitable."

There was a brief silence in the room.

"Yeah, the grass is still too hard."

Majima kept nodding in agreement and lightly punched Sasagawa's chest a few times.

The rider couldn't help but sigh and raised his hands in surrender.

At this time, Kitano took out his cell phone.

The two people at the opposite table raised their teacups at the same time and took the opportunity to secretly observe the expression on his face.

After a moment, Kitano put his phone away again.

The trainer and the rider simultaneously put down their teacups and lowered their heads in a gesture of confession.

"So that's what it is."

Kitano let out a soft sigh that sounded like a sigh.

Just now, I briefly checked the rules for the local horse racing classic.

In addition to taking priority in exiting the race through the preliminary battle like the Central Horse Racing, the local horse racing actually has another way to exit the classic race -

Won the Central 3-Year-Old Grass Prize.

However, there are still two options to consider.

On February 7, the 11th race in Kyoto, the 1800-meter Kisaragi.

Then on February 13th, the 11th Tokyo race, the 1600m Baihua Cup.

As specially designated races for communication between the central and local governments, both events allow a maximum of two local racehorses to enter the race in the form of a bounty order.

There was another moment of silence.

"How about trying the Kisaragi Shogi for this next race?"

Taking into account the three advisory committee members' evaluation of Atalanta's range, Kitano finally chose the longer-range Rugetsu-sho.

"Ruyue.Shang?"

The trainer and the rider looked at each other in confusion.

After realizing what was happening, Majima widened his eyes somewhat exaggeratedly.

Sasakawa's shoulders shook, and the tense expression disappeared from his face.

But soon, the two of them returned to their serious expressions.

As trainers and riders, they are naturally familiar with the rules regarding running away.

If you treat Rugetsu-sho as a pier, you only have one chance.

This is a must-win game.

"Understood! The additional registration fee for the cherry blossom viewing will be paid by the stables—"

Kitano interrupted the excited trainer with a smile and asked, "For the time being, how about we just aim for the Kisaragi Award?"

"no problem!"

The trainer and rider straightened their backs at the same time and shouted out extremely loudly.

"Then I'll leave it to you two."

Standing up from his seat, Kitano bowed to the two people in front of him.

Majima and Sasagawa quickly returned the greeting before picking up the slightly cold teacups.

After lunch, we finally left Chiba smoothly.

On the way to the airport, I received a call from Hotan.

While feeling thankful that he was taking a taxi instead of the train this time, he glanced at the screen of his phone.

On the other end of the phone, Wada's tone showed a rare ups and downs as he asked Kitano about the Australian horse racing industry.

Although I was not quite sure about the other party's intention, I still answered the question seriously.

Nothing is hidden about what is known about Australian racing, neither the good nor the bad.

At the end of the call, Wada repeatedly expressed his gratitude.

"President Kitano has been a real help."

"Don't worry, it's just a small matter."

As he spoke, the outline of the airport gradually enlarged in his sight.

After putting down his phone, Kitano breathed a sigh of relief.

It's busy time again.

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

"【Three-year-old horse intelligence】

Famous General Laurel → Tulip Appreciation

Mejiro Atalanta → Kisaragi

——《n○tkeiba》

Chapter 180: Cloudless Sky

It was the first Sunday in February and the wind was still biting cold.

The Kyoto Racecourse was already bustling with people just after noon. Even though there was only one big race on the day, the enthusiasm of horse fans remained undiminished.

Looking at the huge crowd pouring out of Yodo Station not far away, Kitano, who was sitting on the horse owner's farewell bus, secretly broke into a cold sweat.

Fortunately, I didn’t take the tram today.

"See you later, President Kitano!"

The tall horse owner Sasaki patted him on the shoulder and strode into the field first.

Mixed in with a group of horse owners, Kitano also passed through the famous "Triple Crown Gate".

After entering the racecourse, the first thing to do is to take out your phone to check the time.

2:27 in the afternoon.

There is still nearly an hour left before the Ruzuki Sang which is scheduled to start at 3:30.

So he left the crowd of horse owners and turned to the other side of the racecourse.

Just as I was about to go around the Triple Crown Memorial Trail, I was suddenly stopped by someone.

"President Kitano, may I take a photo with you?"

Several young horse racing fans who had been gathering in front of the statue and taking photos came over.

"Ah, of course."

Kitano smiled and nodded, then posed for the photo.

"Have you met Gao Feng?"

One of them pointed to the bronze statue at the trail entrance.

The other eyes also focused on him curiously.

After walking a little closer, Kitano could clearly see the words on the plaque below the statue.

It is indeed the "Mejiro Peak".

This is totally unrecognizable—

"I've probably seen it a few times. But it's somewhat different from the statue."

After looking at it closely for a while, he couldn't help shaking his head.

"The belly should be a little bigger than the statue."

Amid the laughter of horse fans, he continued to move forward.

The Horse-Headed Guanyin further ahead is actually a vertical mottled stone.

While thinking blasphemous words in his mind, his hands were actually performing the worship obediently.

The water in the hand-washing area was a little cold, so I just touched it symbolically and then drew it out.

Bow twice and clap twice.

Except for occasions with strict requirements, this standard practice is followed wherever you visit a shrine.

The effect is——

At least in the past year, the three great gods, Dali, Godolphin and Bayer, have been quite favorable to him.

Spread your palms apart and open your eyes.

I didn't make any specific wishes, and when I put my hands together, I just naturally recalled the experiences of the past year.

He bowed one last time and then left the Horse-Headed Guanyin.

After walking down the stone steps, I noticed that there was an inconspicuous path on the other side.

A large crowd had gathered at the end of the road.

【Rice Bath Monument】

This is what was written on the sign.

After a little hesitation, he finally took a step forward.

Go and have a look.

Noticing footsteps coming from behind, the young horse fans who were paying homage turned their heads.

"Are you President Kitano?"

Many horse racing fans showed some subtle expressions on their faces.

Then, no one knew who took the lead, but the crowd quickly made way for a gap leading to the main body of the stone tablet.

The carrots and bouquets of flowers in front of the stone tablet had piled up so high that they blocked the few words at the bottom.

This is trouble.

He didn't bring any offerings.

After walking awkwardly to the front of the stone tablet, Kitano finally reached into his pocket as if he suddenly remembered something.