Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

Occasionally, on race days, there are enthusiastic horse fans who try to feed the horses.

After wagging his tail, Mejiro Gozen slowly walked towards the reviewing ground.

He still looks quite energetic.

Withdrawing his gaze, Kitano followed the induction horse and began to move towards the reviewing ground.

The direction of the reviewing ground was much more lively than before.

"I'll leave you to it today as well."

"Please leave it to me."

He raised his head and saw the muscles on Baima's shoulders trembling slightly.

"I'll leave it to you too."

Kitano said silently in his heart.

Then, he watched the rider and the horse go away.

Until it completely faded out of sight.

Back in the stands, the Xuhe family from the production ranch were all present.

Moreover, all three of them were dressed in formal attire.

Just like Kitano, he would sweat profusely in such weather.

Of course, apart from Ogawa Katsu, who has always been a little too active, there must be a reason why the producers would appear on the field.

This competition was established to encourage producers in Niikōngchō.

Therefore, only horses born in Shinkansen-cho and Honmachi can leave.

In addition to the normal bounty, the winning ranch will also receive the stallion from the Light Horse Association and priority breeding rights for the next year.

For many small and medium-sized ranches, it seems to be quite tempting.

"Pegasus looks to be in excellent condition, and there will be no problem with its coordination with Ochiai Rider."

After meeting with the three people from the ranch, Kitano spoke first.

"But it's a distance of 1,500 meters. I'm still a little worried—"

Ogawa Masaru had a worried expression on his face.

“Just do your best.”

Wiping the sweat off his face with a handkerchief, Ogawa Jō said.

Although he chose to attend the event in formal attire, he also did not have high expectations for Mu Tianma to win today's game.

The last time I ran 1200 meters, it seemed like a struggle.

The limit of the range is probably here.

The horse has grown one kilogram since the last race.

On the reed-haired horse, the extent of the change was completely invisible.

The competitors they have to face may have experienced rapid growth a few months after their debut.

".The fourth is the Demon King Opera, the fifth is the Three Winter Suns and Moons, and the sixth is Medo-Hakuba."

During the broadcast, the live broadcast has begun the introduction of the starting gate positions before the game.

"It does seem like he has grown, and his understanding of the game has matured a lot."

Ogawa Kana held her chin with her right hand and pointed to the field with her left hand.

"Really? How come I can't see that?"

Ogawa Sheng looked at her suspiciously.

Although I can feel some of Pegasus's physical growth, isn't it true that "understanding of the game" can only be detected when the horse is running?

"Of course it's because you're not as good as me."

Ogawa Kanna spoke calmly, as if stating some fact.

"Damn it. It's obviously me."

The boy's mumbling was instantly drowned out by a huge wave of noise.

【Mejiro】

This is the voice of support conveyed by many people.

Kitano, the horse owner, Ogawa Jō, the representative of the production ranch, and the quarreling brother and sister all raised their heads.

"That child is being loved by everyone."

Kitano slowly withdrew his gaze.

On the field, the gray figure shook his head up and down, as if responding to the fans' calls.

Then, he easily entered the gate.

The traction rope was loosened, and the white horse's front hooves were seen digging the ground slightly.

"Are you nervous?"

Ochiai lowered his head and looked at his partner beneath him.

Do not--

I guess it's excitement.

It is also excited about the upcoming game.

"Everyone has entered the gates. The fifth race is for the Shinkansen special."

"start!"

The moment the gate opened, the huge inertia pulled Ochiai's body.

Then, he fell uncontrollably onto the horse's back.

Medaihiram had a very good start.

but--

A little too excited.

He gently pulled the reins, trying to calm Muheima.

However, Medo Hirano showed no intention of slowing down.

"Just leave it to me!"

It seems that it thinks so.

"That's not okay."

While adjusting his riding posture, Ochiai manipulated the reins.

Avoiding the crowded horses on the inner track, he came to the leading position from the slightly wider route on the outside.

The expected good position is behind the leading group, around fourth or fifth.

Although several different tactics were formulated before the game, such changes were not expected.

At this unknown distance of 1500 meters, can we lead the way to the end?

I don't have much confidence in this.

However, it is impossible to retreat at this time.

I had no choice but to go ahead with it.

"Sixth-rank White Horse takes the lead, and half a horse's length behind is the third-rank Ruri-jin, and then the fifth-rank Sanfuyu Hizuki."

"Meteoruma managed to escape and entered the first turn with a lead of about a horse length."

Amidst the cheers and noise, sweat slowly began to seep out of Ochiai's face.

Although he didn't hold much hope, he subconsciously pulled at the reins.

It seemed that the excitement had passed, and the reed-haired horse actually slowed down.

Following the expected route slightly to the inside, I entered the curve very smoothly.

With a sigh of relief, Ochiai tilted his head.

It seemed that they had judged that the white horse would lose speed sooner or later, so the horses behind were not in a hurry to catch up.

"In this case."

A bold idea slowly emerged in my mind.

Chapter 43 Ochiai’s Leading and Release Strategy

He took the lead at high speed in the early stages, slowed down in the middle bend, and then accelerated again in the final straight.

The moment this idea came to mind, Ochiai tightened his grip on the reins.

The key to victory lies in two points.

Will his tactics be discovered by opponents coming from behind?

Also, whether the teamwork is tacit enough to allow them to act in time when the rhythm needs to be changed.

"Please, Pegasus."

He said silently in his heart.

Mudaiba is a racehorse with a strong fighting spirit. After reaching the first place, he will do his best to maintain it even if it is a bit reluctant.

A racehorse with such strong roots definitely has a chance to compete with the horses behind it in the final straight line.

The prerequisite is that he can control the rhythm in the first half of the game.

"Don't catch up now."

While steering the horse through the corners, he carefully observed the movements of his opponents with his peripheral vision.

In the back, the battle for the second place between Liuli Doll and Sandong Riyue has ended, and both sides maintain their current ranking and enter the curve.

Behind the three horses in the leading group is the chasing group that is far behind.

No matter who it was, no one had any intention of moving forward.

Momentarily relieved.

"In that case, you might as well slow down a bit."

Although he had this thought, Ochiai did not make any further movements until he entered the second turn.

If you have a dispute with the horse, it will undoubtedly affect the original rhythm.

Since there is no big problem, it doesn't matter if it is a little faster.

At present, the distance between Baima and the herd of horses behind is gradually widening.

"That should be fine, right?"

Kitano asked hesitantly.

It seems a little different from the scene imagined when discussing tactics before the game.

The gray-white silhouette clearly ran to the front of the team.

"This position is very unfavorable for Pegasus!"

Ogawa Sheng looked at the field anxiously.

For Mubai Ma, the ideal running method is to maintain the lead in the shorter races and catch up from behind in the slightly longer races.

Without exceeding the horse's physical capabilities, this style of running can make the most of its fighting spirit.

But the opposite is true.

Whether it is training or competition, if he realizes that he cannot complete it even if he tries hard, Mudanma will decisively choose to give up.

In a 1500-meter race, exerting force too early is likely to cause it to lose its fighting spirit.