Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

Page 72

Although this is said, in reality, apart from the rider Hetian, there is only the trainer Huangshan.

As for choosing a hoof trimmer, I still don't seem to have much idea.

So far, most of the applications Kitano has received are at the level of trainees or amateurs.

After a brief greeting and getting to know each other, the five-member expedition team quickly entered into a meeting.

"Let's try harder at the hoof trimmer first."

Kitano sighed as he scrolled through the endless list of private messages.

"Although there is the possibility of seeking help from a local hoof trimmer, this option should be considered last."

Flipping through the thick bound volume in her hand, Ogawa Kana said.

This is something similar to a rule book that Ogawa Sheng compiled after collecting information about the three events.

At this meeting, everyone was given a rule book.

"How is Mr. Shimura?"

Ogawa Katsu asked.

He has a great liking for this skilled hoof trimmer who has a long-term partnership with his ranch.

"Mr. Shimura refused."

Kitano shrugged and placed the rule book upside down on the table.

Mejiro Sakuya's hooves are not the type that can be mastered in a short period of time, so a fixed hoof trimmer partner is still necessary during the expedition.

Mr. Shimura, the farrier with whom I had worked for a long time, was not only old but also reluctant to leave Hokkaido.

"Although I have contacted a few people, they are all just enough to make do."

Huangshan shook his head.

"It's a similar situation here."

Wada followed up.

"Since there aren't many good options, I'll just have to put the hoof trimmer option on hold."

There's more to discuss than just the shortage of hoof trimmers.

Kitano picked up the translated rule book again and started reading it.

I turned to the section about the Saudi match day login outline.

[JCSA will cover the transportation and stable expenses of the hospitality horses]

At the bottom there is a line of text like this.

In other words, no need to spend money?

I suppressed the surging excitement and checked it with the English part.

It is true that there is such a regulation.

"Ms. Xuhe, take a look here."

Spreading out the rule book, Kitano pointed to the section below the outline.

“It’s true that there are such rules.”

Nodding slightly, Ogawa Kana turned to the next page of the rule book.

Then, it pointed to the additional explanation regarding entertainment and transportation expenses.

"The standard is just the minimum transportation cost."

"Domestic transportation, insurance and veterinary expenses are not included in the hospitality package."

"So, the camp still needs to bear expenses of more than 5 million yen."

“That’s pretty good.”

Kitano nodded in satisfaction.

For him, it was a pleasant surprise that the event organizer could cover part of the expenses.

"Also, transportation from Japan to the Middle East is quite difficult."

"In order to allow sufficient time for recovery, we must travel to Saudi Arabia as early as possible."

The five people in the camp quickly reached a consensus on this point.

"Regarding the transportation plan, I have already received quotes from Pegasus and Flyt Express."

Huangshan opened the briefcase and took out several documents.

Overseas shipments typically require three to five months to process paperwork and plan flights.

In a sense, Mejiro Sakuya's case can be considered as half an "expedited item".

Kitano took the document and read it carefully.

The first is the solution provided by "Pegasus", which has the same name as Medaima.

The prices are divided into three packages, ranging from the lowest level of US$48,000 to the highest level of US$105,000.

Because Mejiro Sakuya is a lame horse, the insurance premium is the maximum of $18,000.

The earliest available flight date is February 5th.

As for the latest flight on the 12th, such an option was not considered from the beginning.

We participate in the competition as soon as we arrive, and our goal is to compete in the Middle East, which is a long journey and has a harsh environment.

This is no different from murdering a racehorse.

Putting aside the offer from "Pegasus", let's look at the proposal from "Flyt Express".

The price is slightly more expensive than "Pegasus", and is divided into five levels from US$53,000 to US$116,000.

The insurance premium is the same as that of "Pegasus", which is $18,000.

The earliest available shipping date is February 1st.

Putting down the documents in his hand, Kitano lowered his head slightly and began to think.

The King Abdulaziz Racecourse, venue for the Saudi Derby, will open to guests on the first working day of February.

Next year, it will be on February 2nd.

If you take a flight on February 1st, you will be able to catch the opening of the stadium just in time.

but--

Kitano took another look at the long list of numbers at the end of the transportation plan.

One hundred and sixteen thousand US dollars, which converts to about seventeen million yen.

Even if Saudi Arabia bears part of the expenses, the total cost will exceed 10 million yen.

However, the only downside to this plan is the price.

A dedicated racehorse transport aircraft, modified from a Gulfstream G550, provides full-time support from a senior veterinarian and three senior stable staff, temperature-controlled transportation, and a sophisticated feed and supply system.

Even by the most stringent standards, there is nothing wrong with it.

"But it's really expensive—"

The maximum expedition bonus you can get from NAR is 550 million yen.

If you choose the lowest-level plan, even if you don’t get a ranking in the end, the losses will be within an acceptable range.

Of course, the quality of transportation is quite disappointing.

"If it's a Middle Eastern situation, physical strength is more important to consider."

I remembered the advice that Ogawa Jō gave me not long ago.

Being already behind, facing the strong men from all over the world with incomplete physical strength—

Such an idea is really too arrogant.

Kitano shook his head.

After silently estimating the approximate number, I picked up the last quotation.

He's not going there to play a supporting role.

Chapter 85 Idiot and Idiot

“Finally, there’s the cost of renting the stables during quarantine and acclimatization training.”

Kana Ogawa raised her right hand and pressed down the last finger.

"The total is 8.1 million yen."

This is the transportation cost that the camp needs to bear after deducting the NAR expedition bonus.

The girl spread out her five fingers again and waved her slender palm in front of Kitano's face.

"Eight million one hundred thousand?"

Kitano pursed his lips slightly.

Then, he nodded.

"I think that's acceptable."

It's a smaller number than expected.

"Then it's up to Mr. Kitano to decide."

Ogawa Kana sighed as if giving up.

"Even if I get five points in the Saudi Derby, I could still lose money. Is that okay?"

Huangshan reminded from the side.

As trainers, it is also their responsibility to assist owners in assessing the risks and benefits of running before a race.

Although he has an optimistic forecast for Mejiro Sakuya's strength, he also doesn't dare to pat his chest and guarantee that the Saudi Derby will definitely be included.

"no problem."

Kitano nodded.

“Please also take into consideration the cost of returning home.”

Ogawa Kana paused tapping her fingers on the keyboard and then spoke.

"Whether it's coming back from the Middle East or the United States."

"So, I'll contact Flyt Express?"

Ogawa Masaru raised his hand cautiously.

"Go ahead, and ask them if they can make it cheaper."

The girl waved her hands as if to shoo away a fly.

Xuhe Sheng slipped out of the private room as if he had been pardoned.

"And since we arrived early, the camp will have to bear the extra costs for accommodation and meals."

Withdrawing her gaze, Ogawa Kana continued typing on the keyboard quickly.