Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

The next moment, his eyes suddenly widened.

"Hey! I'll ride on the horse——"

Wu Shi, remembering where he was, quickly shut his mouth, his expression gradually changing from surprise to joy.

However, Old Yokoyama did not blame him for his rash remarks, but instead spoke in a more serious tone.

"You'll have to show your true abilities when the time comes."

"besides--"

Old Yokoyama paused briefly, as if loading another expression module.

"Why did Hanshin exit the corner from such a wide position in last week's third winless race?"

The old rider's eyes turned stern, and the words "Are you an idiot?" were almost written on his face.

Wu Shi was relieved by this.

Sure enough, it’s still the same.

When they meet, the father and son, both riders, sometimes discuss horse racing.

Although it was called a discussion, in reality, most of the time, Wu Shi was scolded, although he would occasionally receive praise.

However, besides reflecting on his mistakes during the game as usual, this time, there seemed to be a voice echoing in Takeshi's heart:

"You will ride Mejiro Sakuya during the Emperor's reward."

Under normal circumstances, it is almost impossible for a central rider to ride a local racehorse to participate in a competition.

Even the "YS Derby Rider Special" in which Take Yutaka and the national hot topic Maharu Ulala were paired together was made possible because of the exchange reward "Black Ship Award" on the same day.

JRA riders are only eligible to ride local racehorses to participate in other local competitions on the same day if they have ridden for the exchange reward.

Apart from the JBC race day, which was established by NAR in imitation of the American Breeders' Cup, there have been almost no examples of local horse racing holding exchange prizes at the same racecourse on the same day in the past.

According to the original arrangement, the Emperor's Award that Mejiro Sakuyaji would participate in was the last week of June.

It is almost impossible to ride a racehorse owned by a local Oi as a central rider in such a scenario.

However, in order to cope with the high temperatures caused by global warming, the Emperor's Award and Saitama Cup competitions were moved forward to two weeks before the original schedule.

In the third week of June, Oi Racecourse will host two consecutive exchange and reward events, the Tokyo Derby and the Emperor's Prize.

Taking this opportunity, Kitano tried to apply to the Oi Racecourse to have a central rider ride Mejiro Sakuya.

Master Huangshan also strongly supported Kitano's idea.

Because it is a competition used to test and adjust the player's condition during the season, a balance must be struck between exerting one's strength and conserving one's energy.

The Yokoyama father-son trio of riders, who have a reputation for caring for racehorses, are good choices in a race like this.

Although the race organizers also had the opinion that "it would be better to hold the two big prize events on two different days", the majority of people still agreed.

then--

In the latest version of the NAR schedule, it is rare to see two exchanges and big rewards scheduled on the same day.

Shortly after the local exchange reward list was updated, Takeshi had a related discussion with his friend Rider Sakai.

"I really want to ride two big rewards in a row."

"How about starting looking for potential commissions now?"

"Why don't you let Mr. Caesar go and take the imperial reward, and I'll take his place."

"Even if Master Yahagi agrees, I won't give up my place."

"How stingy."

"That's what you said when you were with Ivor. It's called giving someone a taste of their own medicine."

Recalling the original conversation, he couldn't help but secretly feel fortunate that he didn't hastily accept the possible imperial reward commission.

"Amazing--"

Looking beyond the fence and pasture, you can see in the distance a building located in the center of the ranch, exuding an advanced atmosphere.

Because the area is not very large, the outline of the stable can be clearly seen even outside the pasture.

It seems that it is not just a showpiece.

"Except for the ground beneath our feet, everything inside and out has been completely replaced—"

I couldn't help but feel this way.

Before Lao Hengshan could take out his cell phone to make a call, the sensor iron gate in front of him opened automatically.

So, Wu Shi silently corrected the above idea.

"Even the floor covering has been changed."

As they walked, the expression on Wu Shi's face became more and more subtle.

When I came in front of Kitano, the only thing that filled my mind was "how awesome".

"Long time no see, Mr. Yokoyama."

Kitano took a step forward and shook old Yokoyama's palms with both hands, and greeted him warmly.

Then, he turned his head and looked at Takeshi Yokoyama.

Takeshi then smiled a smile that seemed practiced.

"It's so similar——"

I couldn't help but sigh like this.

I overheard a rumor from several familiar riders that "Wushi and Lottoshin look a lot like each other."

However, such associations must not be revealed on the face in any way.

"Haha—that's what everyone says, but I was much more carefree than him when I was young."

Old Yokoyama smiled and patted his son's shoulder.

In response, Kitano had no choice but to perfunctorily deal with it with an expression similar to Takeshi's.

As if eager to change the subject, he turned around and took the father and son on a tour of the ranch.

"Besides being a little smaller, it's even better than Miura in some ways."

Takeshi expressed his surprise in a somewhat exaggerated tone.

However, in reality, it is pretty much the same.

Even Master Fukunaga, who was famous for his luxurious stables, was clearly inferior to the huge investment made by Mejiro Ranch.

"Building and maintaining a ranch of this magnitude requires a significant investment, right?"

Taking his eyes off the large equipment in front of him whose purpose he couldn't figure out, Old Yokoyama asked seriously.

"Yeah, so you just have to keep winning."

Kitano nodded in response.

This matter-of-fact and calm tone reminded Old Yokoyama of a certain rumor.

“It’s indeed very similar—”

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

"[Time report]

The first step of the cherry blossom viewing is the Mejiro Atalanta Oaks Tournament

Majima Daisuke: "We believe she has the strength to go beyond this distance."

The saddle rider Sasakawa Tsubasa is predestined”

Chapter 202 Deer Hair and Deer Hair

In the eight-mat Japanese-style room, Kitano opened the cabinet door, took out the teapot and two teacups, and then unscrewed the tea can.

"What do you think of Yamyouyulu?"

"Oh! It's such a high-quality tea. I'd be very grateful."

"No, it's just something you drink, so please just try it."

Among the people who visit the ranch, there are many traditional people who like to drink tea.

So in addition to various beverages that suit the tastes of the new generation, tea is also prepared as a treat.

As for Kitano himself, he actually prefers cheap drinks like barley tea that he can drink in big gulps.

After preparing the tea, he turned on the power of the kettle.

"Mr. Yokoyama is very knowledgeable about tea."

"No, I've only learned a little bit from the internet and TV shows. I'm still far from being an expert."

"I'm a complete layman here."

"How about giving half of Soma's vision to Tea Ceremony?"

"Please spare me this kind of thing."

There was a "click" sound and the switch of the kettle tripped.

Scald the tea set with boiling water, then pour some into the teapot to warm it.

The first brew of tea is poured directly into the tea tray.

"It's also very hard on the rider's side."

Without continuing the previous topic, Kitano said with some emotion.

"Yeah, it's just like playing golf. It looks like there's only one swing, but there's actually a process before that, like aiming and calculating."

Speaking of this, a hint of curiosity appeared in Lao Hengshan's eyes again.

"What does horse racing look like, Mr. Yuki?"

Although he is only a three-year horse owner and an even new breeder, Kitano and his newly emerged Mejiro Army have gained considerable fame worldwide.

Old Yokoyama was secretly looking forward to his answer.

"Sports, the practitioners are all hardworking people."

After pouring the brewed hot tea into their cups, Kitano replied in a slightly relaxed tone.

"I see—come to think of it, there were trainers who tried to use the experience they gained from football to manage stables."

"From my perspective, horse racing is more like Formula One racing."

"Formula racing..."

Old Hengshan nodded slightly, but his face showed some hesitation.

Although he had heard of it a little, he didn't know much about this sport.

"Simply put, it's about racing cars built within the constraints of a common rules framework."

"Oh, it does sound a bit similar."

So the two of them sat opposite each other at the table, drinking tea and chatting about Formula One racing, which was gradually unrelated to horse racing.

On the other side, Takeshi, accompanied by Kikuchi, visited the stables at the ranch.

"So, Sakuya-chan is actually the opposite of the rumored one, an overhand type?"

Takeshi asked this question as he leaned over slightly to greet Mejiro Sakuya in the stable.

Most horse racing commentators outside the field have described Mejiro Sakuya as having a poor start, sluggish temperament, no form, and difficulty controlling weight.

However, the riders who have ridden her before have the exact opposite opinion of Mejiro Sakuya.

It's hard not to notice such subtle differences.

"I'm not that good at opening the gate, but thanks to Mr. Ogawa at the breeding ranch, my basic abilities, including opening the gate, are at least above average."

Putting away the tablet in his hand, Kikuchi replied with a smile.

Although she had not been at the ranch for long, after some effort she had a rough idea of ​​the temperament of each horse.