Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

"Kitano-kun, are you really not kidding?"

The voice on the other end of the phone sounded very serious.

“I think it should still be feasible.”

Kitano responded calmly.

At least in the first stage of the Saudi Derby, the three analysts on the advisory panel were all positive.

"Then let's put aside the issues of strength and difficulty for now."

There was a rustling sound of papers being flipped.

"First of all, what is the planned next race?"

"Saudi Derby."

"Then the cost of traveling to the Middle East starts at 10 million yen."

The pencil made a crisp sound as it moved across the paper.

Kitano remained silent.

Starting from 10 million yen——

It does sound like a huge expense.

"In other words, we need to finish within the top four in the Saudi Derby to have a chance of making a profit."

"Next up is the UAE derby."

"To qualify for the Kentucky Derby hospitality through the Middle East Road, without any previous points, the UAE Derby must be within three moves."

“My competitors are three-year-old dirt horses from all over the world.”

"Even without mentioning the strength of the horses themselves, we face disadvantages in terms of riders and trainers from the outset."

"And these are just the challenges before the Kentucky Derby."

My throat becomes a little dry.

Kitano felt that he had to say something, but the words were stuck in his throat like rust and he couldn't move.

"Sorry, I accidentally became too mean."

Ogawa Jō's tone softened the next moment.

"However, how about you please give more thought to this Kentucky Derby consideration?"

"No, thank you very much for Mr. Xuhe's reminder."

Kitano thanked him sincerely.

After hanging up the phone, continue to review the situation on the road to the Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Derby is a race you can run, not a race you have to run.

The same considerations apply to the upcoming Saudi derby and UAE derby.

There is no game that must be won, only the game that is most suitable at the moment.

This idea has continued from the beginning of my career as a horse owner to the present day.

So--

Regarding the expedition plan, should we really continue?

Looking up and out the window, the sunset glow in the sky has been pushed to the edge by the night.

He didn't know the answer.

Chapter 81 Three-person Expedition

The next day, Kitano got up very early.

Last night, I was deeply troubled by the question of whether an expedition was necessary.

It can almost be called a vortex of consciousness.

However, I still forced myself to fall asleep according to my usual schedule.

The mind is in a state of clarity for the time being.

After checking out, I took a taxi.

On the way, yesterday's thoughts continued in my mind.

In Mejiro Sakuya's three-year-old season, the safest choice is undoubtedly the dirt track triple crown route.

Then there's the slightly more compromised scenario of heading to the Kentucky Derby via the Road to Japan.

There is also the most risky route to the Middle East.

Three different options flashed alternately in my mind, and soon I was back to the familiar dilemma.

If you are a simple businessman or horse racing enthusiast, you can easily choose between the three.

I am not an avid horse racing enthusiast, nor can I view racehorses as purely commodity animals.

Kitano, caught in an awkward position between the two, was unable to make a decision.

The taxi soon arrived at the ranch entrance.

Even when they reached the door of the stable, they still had no clear idea about the expedition.

Led by a training assistant, we arrived at the lounge.

A man was staring at the computer screen intently, his hands typing quickly on the keyboard.

It was not until the training assistant coughed lightly several times that the man finally turned his head.

"Ah, it's Mr. Kitano."

Huangshan nodded slightly, his red and swollen eyes were obviously bloodshot.

"Regarding overseas expeditions, does Mr. Kitano have any new ideas?"

His voice was calm and restrained, but what he said surprised Kitano a little.

He frowned slightly and thought for a moment.

While Kitano was thinking, Huangshan continued, "As for me, I spent a little time learning the relevant knowledge."

"However, the expedition is not as easy as imagined."

He tried to move the corners of his mouth, but an even more bitter expression appeared on his face.

"I also received similar advice from my acquaintances."

Kitano echoed somewhat vaguely.

"However, the rules allow it, and judging by our strength, we can run the race. We can also think of ways to allocate personnel."

"It would be a shame not to try it."

The next sentence was not spoken.

Mr. Kitano is not a horse owner with a lot of money.

The initial cost of the Middle East expedition, even with the greatest possible savings, exceeded 700 million yen.

Taking into account the continuous consumption, the amount that the horse owner needs to invest suddenly reaches more than 10 million yen.

For most small and medium-sized horse owners, this is a huge expense that they cannot accept in any way.

The pursuit of dreams should not be based on the tolerance of horse owners.

Thinking of this, my originally swollen and painful head suddenly felt much more relaxed.

"How's it going in the stables?"

Kitano asked as he pulled his chair closer to the spot in front of the barren mountain.

“It’s not an ideal situation.”

Huangshan shook his head and told the truth.

At this point, the dream of a great overseas country should have come to an end.

“So can the Saudi Derby be run?”

Tilting his head slightly, Kitano asked in a calm tone.

"That's true from the perspective of the horses' strength, but the stables are likely to become a drag."

“Is there still room for experimentation on the part of the rider?”

"How about Uchida Hiroyuki and Taketoyo-san from the central office? They're both smart people."

"How confident are you?"

"It's hard to say, Mr. Takeru, but Uchida should accept the commission."

In this straightforward conversation that seemed like a pre-operative consultation, the two people's emotions gradually calmed down.

"How about rider Norihiro Yokoyama?"

"He is quite reliable in terms of experience and has experience riding in the Middle East."

"Then take him into consideration."

The conversation began to pick up speed.

The two of them had expressions like surgeons about to perform surgery.

Your disease is here, so cut it open -

That's exactly how it feels.

"What's the actual situation at the stables?"

"No one has overseas experience, very few are willing to go abroad, and most of them even have a hard time learning English."

"Then we have to consider translation as well. Are we adequately staffed?"

"Not quite enough, especially for the stable boys."

"What about the expedition's procedures or rules?"

“It’s also to the extent that I’ve basically never had any contact with it.”

"I understand."

As these words ended, the air between them deflated like a punctured balloon.

Funds are limited, the main battle riders are undecided, and the stables are completely insufficient to cope with overseas expeditions.

This is the harsh reality that needs to be faced.

Both of them showed a bitter smile on their faces at the same time.

"Since we can run now, I'd like to ask Master Huangshan to hold on a little longer."

Staring at the trainer's red and swollen eyes, Kitano suddenly said.

The corners of his mouth gradually became tense.

After a period of silence, Huangshan nodded.

"it is good."

He replied.

A cold wind blew through the window, and the two of them couldn't help but shiver.

"So, regarding the riders, is it okay to invite Wada, Taketoyo, Yokoyama Nori, and Uchida in this order?"

"No problem. I'll also do my best to gather intelligence on matters related to the Middle East Road and the Kentucky Derby."

"Thank you for your help. We will also work hard to gather information here at the stables."

then--

Under such simple and ridiculous conditions, the Kentucky Derby expedition team of Oi Huangshan Stable was officially established.

The current number of people is two.