Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

Thinking of this, Hetian pulled the reins slightly.

Mejiro Sakuya made a "whoosh" sound and reluctantly turned her attention away from the decorative flowers under the billboard.

"What a greedy young lady."

He smiled and patted the deer-haired horse's neck.

On the way to the racecourse, some subtle emotions were brewing in my heart.

I unexpectedly encountered such a horse.

Of course, it wasn’t the usual “love at first sight” story that you see in the horse racing world.

When I first saw it, the first thing that popped into my mind was a dull premonition.

After riding it, I confirmed my judgment.

When converted, it is also a rather unremarkable performance.

However, I felt a sense of "comfort" for the first time in a long time while riding in the saddle.

Incredible cardiopulmonary function, tight muscles wrapped in strong bones, and powerful explosive power enough to tear the ground apart when sprinting -

"Maybe there really is a chance."

Even Hotan, which has never been involved in a domestic derby, had such an absurd premonition.

The dark road leading to Churchill Gardens gradually became clear in my mind.

What kind of horse can win the derby? This question is impossible to answer no matter how hard you try.

This is a competition that even a good opera cannot win.

Of course, at that time it was more because I was holding back.

He was completely outmaneuvered by his senior Taketoshi, who was more experienced and skilled.

But now, is the situation different?

"I'm also a rider who can win the Derby."

I hope to be able to report this achievement with my head held high to my opera teacher who has left me with a lifelong task.

Let’s start with the UAE derby right in front of us.

【ROSA】

When entering the stadium, cheers far exceeding the popularity of one person rang out from the stands.

Despite insurmountable physical obstacles, he possesses willpower, courage, and tremendous explosive power.

perhaps--

The title that had faded in memory was brought back to life during this run.

"One hundred and twenty seconds to Churchill Gardens, three Japanese heads."

The announcement sounded in his ears, and Kitano subconsciously leaned over to look towards the gate.

Of course, you can't see anything from outside.

Whether you are anxious or excited, the answer will be revealed in 120 seconds.

"Keep a normal mind—"

He kept reminding himself this.

However, I still unconsciously clenched my fingertips.

"call--"

He Tianzheng let out a long breath from his chest.

Mejiro Sakuya beneath him was just as calm as before he entered the gate.

Judging from the appearance alone, it is impossible to imagine that it is the type that leaks.

After riding horses for so many years, I at least have a pretty good idea of ​​whether the horse will be good or bad when it comes out of the gate.

Those who have the habit of lowering their heads after entering the gate are likely to be the type who will be late for exiting.

Of course, the most troublesome ones are the horses that can be clearly seen shaking their heads restlessly.

In this case, the situations of leakage and high leg raising have to be taken into consideration.

However, Mejiro Sakuya does not belong to either of the above two types of horses.

Although the specific pathology is not very clear, at least the lameness is clear.

As a rider, Wada shares the same views as the horse owner Kitano and the trainer Arashiyama.

That's it.

Slightly loosening the reins, he had no intention of putting pressure on Mejiro Sakuya in the initial stages.

The starting straight line of the 1900-meter route of the Meidan Stadium is less than 300 meters long. In this case, it is possible to run at two completely different paces.

Of course, most riders who are able to travel overseas will not let their horses bite freely. Generally speaking, the competition will end after entering the curve behind the starting straight.

However, no matter which pace direction, it did not have much impact on Mejiro Sakuya, who had decided to start the race from the back early on.

Through the mask, there is a clear blue sky in front of my sight.

Thanks to the book friend 20230515114556659 for the 400 starting coins reward, and thanks to the well-known braised pork for the 100 starting coins reward

Thank you for your support

Ciallo～(∠ω<)⌒★

Chapter 106 Seconds

The sound of the gate opening rang in my ears like a starting gun.

Hetian held the reins calmly and adjusted his posture almost the next moment after leaving the gate.

Sure enough, I am still a long way behind.

But I've gotten used to this kind of exit.

A few steps after exiting the gate, I headed towards the inner lane as planned.

Without much interference, we arrived at Mejiro Sakuya's "mypace".

That is, the position next to the inner fence, at the back of the herd.

"Ah, it's Ranbo!"

Kimura slapped his forehead and cried out with tears in his eyes.

After the start, the horses did not disperse to their respective positions.

Led by the Taoyuan Tea House, many of the horses that had escaped had problems biting each other.

The other people in the camp showed completely opposite excited expressions.

As long as you finish within two moves, you will earn enough points to advance to the Kentucky Derby.

If the goal only stops here.

"If we don't defeat Mr. Kaiser here and now, even if we manage to get to Churchill Gardens, we'll just be a supporting role that has nothing to do with victory or defeat!"

Almost everyone in the camp has this awareness.

Kitano's heartbeat became faster, but the expression on his face became more calm.

He did not become complacent because of the changes on the field.

"At least for now, it's too early to talk about victory."

Thinking of this, he looked up at the huge screen that was the symbol of the Meidan Stadium.

The leading herd of horses has already entered the bend.

“It should be fast-paced.”

Wada made this judgment while silently reading the pace.

Although it was impossible to see clearly, at least the herd of horses within sight remained spread out in a bloated manner.

Mejiro Sakuya landed steadily at the end of the herd.

However, due to the fast pace and the overall compactness of the team, Hotan was not anxious about this position.

"Just stay here and build up your strength."

After making up his mind, Hetian continued to observe the situation on the field.

After entering the bend, the bloated herd of horses finally stretched out a little, and some of the horses running on the outside took advantage of the opportunity to squeeze into the gaps created by the speed change.

However, the rapid development did not end there.

When we arrived at the junction of the curve and the straight line, Lian Dawen, who was sitting on the saddle of Taoyuan Tea House, started to urge the horse early.

Taoyuan Tea House, which only has a popularity of 9th place, naturally does not have the strength to escape to the end of the 1900-meter race.

But after the bite at the start, there was basically no room for tactical options.

Regarding the urging - even on the same track conditions, the timing of urging is different for different horses.

Some racehorses are the type that will relax their vigilance after successfully taking a clear position, while others are the type that will lose their fighting spirit after being overtaken by other horses.

Of course, there are also horses that are attracted by other things or horses on the track and run along, and there are also types that are simply lazy and don't want to move.

If you fail to consider the timing of the spur according to the horse's temperament, it is possible that the horse will go sideways or stop suddenly.

Taoyuan Tea House is like a racehorse that loses its fighting spirit after being overtaken.

“Once you start accelerating you have to keep going as long as you can.”

With such considerations in mind, Taoyuan Tea House and Lian Dawen achieved a sixth place result slightly higher than their popularity in the last race.

However, this game may not be the same.

With the intention of jumping off the Shimizu stage, the Australian rider worked hard to push the horse on the road.

"Come on, Mr. Liandawen!"

Kitano folded his arms and looked at the screen, silently cheering for his opponent.

On the track, Mejiro Sakuya, who was at the end of the herd, also entered the front straight line facing the stands.

Wada caught a glimpse of the color of shrimp that flashed across his sight.

It's not too far away.

"Mr. Caesar usually stays in the first group or the lead position, accumulates his last few steps in the middle stage when the pace slows down, and maintains his lead in the final sprint with the remaining energy he has."

This is the information we got from our camp's horse trainer, Huangshan.

But judging from the situation on the field, Mr. Caesar obviously did not continue his running style in the previous games.

It seemed that after noticing the rapid pace of the game, Sakai decisively chose to take a position to the back.

"In this way, the outcome will be decided by the last kick."

There was no panic or anything like that regarding this development.

Although luck has to be taken into consideration, the game ultimately depends on strength.

"Even in a fair duel, I will never be easily defeated by anyone."

The gears of man and horse gradually meshed, and with such a sense of fulfillment, Hetian held the reins firmly with both hands.

In this way, I walked calmly towards the curve after the straight line.

In the sight ahead, positions are swapping.

"not the right time yet."

Hetian warned himself as he gently pinched his palms with his fingernails.

"Never let your opponent's rhythm lead you."

This was his feeling after many years of riding, which could barely be called an experience.

Regardless of whether the situation on the field is right or wrong, you must make judgments based on your own consciousness.