Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

Please don't put anything cold in my mouth

But warm it firstIn some warm water, or in your hands

At least, please warm it with warm water or your hands first

I always try to do cheerfully

The work you require of me

I am always happy to complete the tasks you assign to me.

And day and night

day and night

I stand for hours waiting for you

I'll stand for hours waiting for you to come back

Without the power to choose my shoes or path

I don't have the ability to choose what kind of horseshoes to wear or what kind of road to take.

I sometimes fall on the hard pavements

which I have often prayed might be of such a nature

I prayed my feet wouldn't slip because I would fall down sometimes.

as to give me a safe and sure footing

So please let me walk safely on the road

Remember that I must be ready at any moment to lose my life in your service

Remember, when it works for you

I could lose my life at any time

And finally, my master

Finally, my master

When my useful strength is gone

If I'm useless

Do not turn me out to starve or freeze

Please don't leave me out to starve and freeze

Or sell me to a cruel owner

Or sell me cheaply to a cruel master

To be slowly tortured and starved to death

They will slowly torture us and starve us to death

But do thee my master take my life

In the kindest way

Master, please end our lives in the most merciful way.

And your God will reward you here and hereafter

You will be rewarded in this life and the next

You may not think me irreverent

If I ask this in the name of

Him who was born in a stable

If I ask you in the name of Him who was born from the stable

You don't think I'm rude, do you?

AMEN——

Amen--

Chapter 112: Menbie and Kentucky

On April 16, Kitano returned to Monbetsu Racecourse after a long absence.

White sand, white horse tickets, and—

The white figure that crossed the finish line first.

"My eyes are full of surprise!"

As if clearly aware that the race was over, the horse stuck out its tongue and slowed down after crossing the finish line.

The rider in yellow and black looked past the silver mane in front of him and raised three fingers toward the stands.

Following Mejiro's call, Ochiai's voice was heard.

"It's really an incredible state."

At the railing, Tanaka's tightly pursed lips finally relaxed.

The results were quickly posted on the bulletin board.

In his first race after a long break, Medairo successfully escaped the cut with a one-length advantage in the 1200m NEXT STAR - Kitanihon.

"But it's a bit too early to talk about the treble now."

The trainer smiled and shook his head, then pursed his lips again.

The future star of Northern Japan is just an appetizer before the main game.

"Maybe Genta is congratulating you on your three consecutive championships in Northern Japan."

Kitano smiled and raised his hand to pat away the horse ticket that fell on his shoulder.

The viewing experience at other venues was not very good.

Needless to say, the stands are simple, and the air is always filled with the sour smell of drunkards.

but--

Whenever I step onto the field, my heart can’t help but beat fast for the game in front of me.

At this moment, all the noise faded into noise.

"Thank you for your hard work today, Xuantai."

In front of the inspection room, Kitano hugged the rider who had a calm face.

"It was Pegasus who put in more effort."

Ochiai smiled shyly and stroked Mudaiheima's neck gently with his hand.

The reed-haired horse shook its head in displeasure and snorted heavily.

"How dare a mere burden lay his hands on Master Tianma?"

Doudou looked so arrogant and this expression seemed to appear in his eyes.

After the Kuchidori ceremony, the camp started a post-match dinner at an izakaya.

"The winter training has been very effective, and Pegasus should see further growth in his competitions during the Classics year."

Tanaka took off the baseball cap he had been wearing, revealing his obviously sparse hair.

“My back feels less stiff, and I run a little smoother than last year.”

Ochiai, the main rider, talked about his riding experience without changing his expression, despite everyone's surprise.

"So, it seems the winter fur hasn't grown much either."

Ogawa Jō had a thoughtful expression.

Is it really long?

Still not long——

It's really hard to judge the condition of the reed-haired horse.

"Anyway, the game was won beautifully."

Kitano raised his glass.

"Victory!"

"Victory—"

The sound gradually became blurred in my ears.

That kid is going to run in the Kentucky Derby—

Ochiai's attention gradually rose to the clouds and drifted to the foreign country across the ocean.

What will the American competition be like?

For local riders who could only barely cope with the South Kanto competitions, this was completely beyond their imagination.

Do you want to continue?

Even if you make a decision early on, you will still often feel confused.

A rider's career, which could have lasted for two or three decades, may come to an abrupt end due to irrational choices.

but--

What was the resolution behind Ando-senpai's arrival at the Central Government twenty-five years ago, when he had already won everything at Kasamatsu?

The bitterness in my mouth gradually faded, and my thoughts that were drifting far away were forced to stop.

"How about another drink?"

Tanaka pushed the full wine glass in front of Ochiai.

If I have another drink, I will definitely get drunk.

Ochiai has always been aware of his poor drinking capacity.

However, he still took the wine glass from the trainer, whose eyes were a little distracted.

So be it!

No matter whether the road ahead is glorious or full of thorns.

But, not yet.

This summer, there is still unfinished business that must be completed.

After tipping the cup over and catching the last few drops with his lips, the alcohol gradually dragged his consciousness into the abyss.

"This is going to be very troublesome."

Looking at the two drunk people in front of him, Kitano couldn't help rubbing his slightly swollen brows.

"Just call someone to take them away later."

Xuhe Zhang ate the side dishes slowly, and there was almost no trace of alcohol on his face.

"But Mr. Kitano, is everything alright?"

Putting down his chopsticks, Ogawa Jō raised his head and asked.

I just returned to Japan from Kentucky on the other side of the ocean the day before yesterday, and tomorrow I will take another trans-Pacific voyage.

Just for a local game -

I'm afraid no one would believe such a reason if I told them to others.

"My words are fine."

Although I am still struggling with jet lag, I surprisingly don't feel too tired.

The only thing that bothers me is that the communication method is too convenient.

Even if I return to Hokkaido temporarily, I can't just abandon my work in Kentucky.