Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

Page 16

"First-ranked Eishin Kouki is in the lead, maintaining a lead of about half a body length. Behind him is sixth-ranked Alakdo, who is about four body lengths behind third-ranked Kaga Shio. Following behind is fourth-ranked Medaipei, and the last one left is..."

"If you stay so far back, won't it be difficult to catch up later?"

In the stands, Kitano was trying to stand on tiptoe and look into the field.

Now, he is no longer a beginner who knows nothing about horse racing.

It is precisely because of this that I feel nervous about Medaima who falls in the middle of the group from the beginning.

"That's not the case, Mr. Kitano. Today's match is different from the last one. We're going to be playing at a faster pace!"

Compared to Kitano, Ogawa Masaru with his calm expression seems to be the more mature one.

"At a fast pace, the horses in the front of the pack take on greater physical effort, while the horses in the middle and rear can take advantage of the situation and gain a greater advantage with a sufficient last kick on the final straight line."

Ogawa Katsu explained slowly, and Kitano's expression turned a little confused.

"Really?"

He asked somewhat doubtfully.

"If you don't believe me, just wait and see. At the latest by the fourth turn, Ochiai will start to exert his strength."

Ogawa Katsu pointed confidently towards the field.

Kitano looked towards the racetrack and saw that the two horses leading the race had visibly slowed down.

Even the Rock Bridge rider's continuous whipping was of no avail.

The Rock Bridge rider with the white hat on his head could only watch helplessly as the herd of horses behind him closed the distance.

“It’s time to exert force.”

Even before Ochiai gave the signal, Medairo Hakuba had already started the final leg of the race after entering the third turn.

So, he skipped the step of whipping and concentrated all his energy on controlling the reins.

When I turned, the pain on the inner thigh suddenly intensified.

no--

Ochiai pursed his lips tightly.

At least not yet.

He struggled to raise his arms.

Use all your strength to push forward.

The white horse came to the first place with the bit in its mouth.

Huge cheers came from the stands.

Retracting his arms, Ochiai prepared to push out a second time.

Then, his butt fell uncontrollably onto Mu Baima's back.

The next moment, he jumped up again as if he had been electrocuted.

With this momentum, I finally successfully launched the second one.

In terms of strength, it has become a little too soft.

"This should be enough, right?"

Ochiai thought breathlessly as he passed the furlong mark of 200 meters.

At this moment, a burst of rapid whip sounds exploded in my ears like thunder.

He broke out in a cold sweat instantly.

At the edge of sight, the Kaga tide, which had already been overtaken, was gradually approaching.

He gritted his teeth and raised his already weak arms.

The scene of your butt bouncing up and down on the horse's back would probably be very ugly.

However, I no longer have the energy to care about it.

With similar embarrassing postures, the two pairs started the final showdown before the finish line.

"Is it Medairo? Is it Medairo? Or is it Kaga Shio? Can Kaga Shio still catch up?!"

Sweat dripped down his forehead and Ochiai blinked.

The game is over.

"Kaga Shio! It's Kaga Shio! Kaga Shio's move!"

A uniform sigh came from the stands.

Turning his head with some difficulty, Ochiai saw the banner with "MEJIRO" written on it.

"I'm so sorry."

Thinking of this, my nails unconsciously dug into my palms.

"Pity."

Kitano also let out a sigh.

He waved his fist unwillingly.

However, I didn't feel as depressed as I had imagined.

Both Pegasus and Ochiai Rider had done their best.

On the other hand, Ogawa Masaru held his head tightly, like a gambler who had bet 100 million yen on Medaipei.

"Damn it! It was just a little bit off!"

“If only the straight line were shorter!”

Chapter 19 What is Responsibility

"Feel sorry."

That was all Ochiai could say from his horseback.

Meda Hirama is in great shape and performs great on the field.

Then, the reason for failure can only be attributed to oneself.

"Not at all."

Kitano bowed deeply.

It was noticeable as early as when he appeared in the circle that Megumi Hirano's condition was well adjusted.

The match arrangement is also very reasonable.

Whether it is the trainer, assistant trainer, trainer or rider, they all tried their best.

Well, there's nothing to complain about.

"Thank you for your hard work."

He said.

Then, he patted Mudaiheima's head again.

“You’ve worked hard too!”

The reed-haired horse let out a breath of hot air, and sweat kept dripping from its body.

He seems to be in a low mood. Is he also unwilling to accept the failure?

After loosening his tight tie, Kitano continued walking along the same route as last time.

"I'm sorry I didn't let you see the victory you were expecting."

Passing the edge of the stands, he spoke to the cheering fans behind the banner.

"That's not the case, Master Kitano!"

"It's a shame, but Pegasus ran really well!"

"That's right! Pegasus's running form is dazzling!"

"The pre-game meal-scattering segment was also very cute!"

"Just finish the race safely."

There was a bit of chaos, with various responses coming in.

Kitano was slightly touched by their words.

How strange.

Obviously, most of them are just young people who don't know much about horse racing, but they can have such great enthusiasm for a horse that was completely unfamiliar to them.

"Anyway, thank you all for your support today."

He then began to sign autographs for the supporters.

"Master Kitano, if that's about right, it's fine."

It was not until the staff reminded him repeatedly that he took back the pen somewhat embarrassedly.

"Thank you for your hard work, Trainer! You did a great job too!"

A supporter patted Ogawa Masaru's shoulder to comfort him.

Although he didn't know what Ogawa Katsu had done.

“I’m not a horse trainer.”

Xuhe Sheng's face turned slightly red and he quickly waved his hands to deny it.

"What about the stable boy?"

“I’m not a stable boy either.”

He followed Kitano as if escaping.