Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

"I have long admired your name, Mr. Kitano."

When shaking hands, the corners of his mouth curved into a distinct arc.

"That's my side, Rider Igarashi."

Although his knowledge of horse racing was limited to flat racing, Kitano had heard of the name of this steeplechase rider.

"Haha, it would be nice if you could address me as Master Igarashi next time we meet."

Igarashi said, scratching his head awkwardly.

"Xiongyou has been preparing for the horse trainer exam."

Noticing Kitano's somewhat surprised look, Nishiyama explained.

"I'm sure I'll pass this time!"

"Very good, that's the kind of momentum we need to show!"

The two people in front of me seemed to have turned into a hot-blooded boy's comic style.

However, before the people around him gave him strange looks, he recovered to normal in time.

Xishan also took out his mobile phone and took a photo of the three of them as a souvenir.

Then we ordered the food.

The izakaya called "Kumogakure" uses a traditional handwritten menu.

Since there are no pictures for reference, placing an order is entirely based on guesswork.

Fortunately, the other two, except Kitano, have been regular customers for many rounds, and I got recommendations for the signature dishes from them.

Before the food was served, the three of them drank and chatted.

The conversation turned from Aikido to travel, and then to baseball.

Finally, unsurprisingly, it turned to horse racing.

"Based on the current momentum, Kitano-kun will be able to return to the central government next year, right?"

Xishan asked with a smile.

"It's still very early."

Putting down the wine glass in his hand, Kitano shook his head and replied.

I'm not being modest.

At least next year, Kitano has no plans to land in the central government.

Whether in terms of ability or energy, I am not yet ready to be the central horse owner.

Of course, there are also economic considerations.

Although he had earned tens of millions of yen in bounties from horse racing, it was still insignificant to the central government.

We always maintain a cautious attitude towards the prospects of horse owners.

At this time, the dishes ordered by the three people arrived.

In addition to mashed potatoes, Xishan only ordered a grilled fish to go with the wine.

In front of Igarashi was an equally exquisite portion of mashed potatoes.

Kitano's is Nanban fried chicken and soba noodles.

"Mejiro Sakuya should be preparing to compete in the All Japan Two-Year-Old Championship, right?"

Picking up the wine glass, Xishan asked.

"Yes, next year I want that kid to try out the competition in South Kanto."

Kitano nodded and picked up a piece of fried chicken.

When you take a bite, the fried chicken shell makes a crisp sound like ice cracking.

"That's it-"

The two people sitting opposite each other nodded at the same time.

"Unfortunately, I am a fool and have no idea about this."

Xishan laughed, put down his wine glass and picked up a wooden spoon.

Kitano naturally wouldn't believe such a joke.

"The president is too modest."

Igarashi also said with a smile.

After swallowing the chicken nugget, Kitano asked curiously, "Mr. Nishiyama, is there anything worth noting about the stable transfer?"

Although he already had a clearer idea, he still wanted to hear the advice from this veteran horse owner.

"A change of stables?"

Nishiyama, who was stirring mashed potatoes and salad, raised his head.

"First of all, let's talk about 'fate'."

After stirring the mashed potatoes repeatedly, Xishan put down the wooden spoon in his hand.

"Whether the outcome is good or bad, both the incoming and outgoing stables have put in the effort, so if possible, it's best to approach things with the mindset of 'once in a lifetime'."

As if he thought of something, he couldn't help shaking his head.

"Also, since we're talking about the stables, I'd like to share my humble opinion. You can also refer to it, Yusuke."

Refraction through his glasses, Xishan's gaze became slightly more serious.

Kitano and Igarashi also pretended to listen attentively.

"There's no need to be so serious. After all, what we want to talk about is not something too secretive."

Xishan then smiled and waved his hand.

"First of all, the training center is divided into two locations, Ritto and Miho. You should already know this."

Of course, Kitano is aware of this common sense.

"Regarding the stables in the two regions, the situation where the West is strong and the East is weak has persisted for many years."

Kitano didn't quite understand this point.

"Of course, this situation isn't due to any inadequacy in the stables at Miho. The strength, skills, and determination of those involved in both places are on equal footing."

“But for horse owners, the difference between the East and the West is obvious.”

As he spoke, Xishan raised two fingers.

"If you need to meet or discuss with a trainer, it takes about two hours to get from Tokyo to Miho, while it only takes about 40 to 50 minutes from Kyoto to Ritto."

“Even for people like Dr. Kobayashi and me who are somewhat committed to the horse ownership business, it’s impossible to devote our energy without scruples.”

"So, in similar situations, when you hear the two responses of 'I'll be right over to you' and 'We'll discuss this next time we meet,' it's pretty clear which side you should hand over the good horse to."

After speaking a long string of words in one breath, Xishan raised his glass again.

Kitano and Igarashi both had expressions of being taught a lesson on their faces.

Soon, Kitano verified what Nishiyama said in a sense.

After the party, he walked alone on the streets of Shibuya.

On the one hand, it is to help digest the food, and on the other hand, I am also looking for souvenirs to bring back to Hokkaido.

Then, the phone in my pocket vibrated.

Stopping in front of the newsstand at Qiwentang, Kitano took out his cell phone.

"I'm Kitano."

"Good afternoon, Master Beiye Horse, I am Huangshan."

The voice on the other end of the phone sounded quite serious and steady.

"I'm really sorry that I couldn't get to you in time this morning."

"No, that's not the case. The training assistant, San, also showed me around the stables and left a very positive impression."

There was a faint vibration above my head, and another train pulled into Shibuya Station.

On the escalator, people unconsciously showed impatient expressions.

The moment the station announcement sounded, the footsteps suddenly became denser.

"If you don't mind, how about we meet now? Are you near Shibuya?"

It seems that even the noise of Shibuya is highly recognizable.

"Ah, that's right."

Kitano covered one ear and turned up the volume with his thumb.

"Could you please wait for a moment at an izakaya called 'Aya' in Jow? I'll be there soon."

"The owner of that shop is an acquaintance of mine, so if you're asked to make a reservation, just say my name."

After hanging up the phone, Kitano subconsciously touched his belly.

I'm already eight-tenths full—

Besides, it’s an izakaya.

But it is a situation that cannot be evaded.

Although there is still a backup plan with Master Takami recommended by Ogawa Jō, the idea of ​​changing stables is already quite clear.

So, I had no choice but to go to the appointment.

It is said that in the Showa era, white-collar workers' social engagements reached the point where they had to induce vomiting as frequently as food bloggers.

Of course, Kitano wouldn't go so far as to exaggerate.

Jow is a building located in the center of Shibuya. It is easy to get there from the station without navigation.

To him, the street was as familiar as the courtyard.

While working part-time at the convenience store across the street from Jow, Kitano would occasionally count the amount of trash on the sidewalk through the glass store door.

Of course, only when it's not too busy.

Follow the direction of the crowd.

A car happened to pass by the intersection, and I looked up at the blue sky cut by the tall buildings.

Arriving at the entrance of Jow, I looked across the street towards the convenience store.

The shop assistants were, of course, unfamiliar faces.

The air-conditioning blowing from the building and the smell of sweat and perfume on passers-by stimulate the non-existent homesickness.

But soon, Kitano turned around and walked into the building.

"Cai" is located on the third floor of the building, and its interior is in a traditional Japanese style.

"I am a friend of Mr. Huangshan."

He said this when asked about the status of his appointment.

"Please come with me."

The waiter led him to a secluded place.

Sitting down against the wall, Kitano folded his coat, which had obviously become a burden, and placed it on his knees.

Then the waiter brought a few side dishes, but Kitano, who was trying hard to digest his food, had no appetite.

But out of courtesy, I still ordered a pot of soju.

While I was counting the textures on the cup for the second time, Master Huangshan arrived.

After entering the door and whispering a few words with the waiter, the man in the baseball cap walked quickly towards Kitano.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr. Kitano."

Taking off his baseball cap, Master Huangshan apologized sincerely, his gray hair forming a subtle arc beside his ears.