Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

On the contrary, because the distance became longer, the time spent on communication suddenly increased.

"That's right."

Xuhe Zhang nodded.

"Come to think of it, it's been almost a week, right?"

Last week, Arashiyama concluded that Mejiro Sakuya had adjusted to a level "capable of handling the prison stable."

Then, the expedition set off.

Wada also turned down a series of subsequent commissions for the cherry blossom viewing event and boarded a flight to Kentucky the day after the competition.

After arriving in Kentucky, Mejiro Sakuya was placed in the isolation stables at Churchill Park.

This time, the "home whistle" was of the type that was hardly disguised.

Imported racehorses are prohibited from leaving the stables during quarantine

Regarding this, everyone has more or less psychological expectations.

However, there are still many unexpected difficulties.

During the quarantine period, even those with connections to the camp who want to enter the stables must wear full protective equipment.

Whether it is daily feeding or hoof trimming, it becomes much more difficult under such circumstances.

In addition, the environment in the isolation stables was not satisfactory.

Even independent training areas within the quarantine area must be used with the permission of the resident veterinarian.

Before leaving the United States, Kitano continued to have difficult dealings with American veterinarians.

"Yeah, almost a week."

Kitano said after taking a deep breath.

"Ms. Xuhe and Asheng have been really helpful."

Thanks to Kana Ogawa's negotiations, the camp successfully won the right to use its own ingredient plan.

"No, I'm the one who should be thanked for being able to take them to the Kentucky Derby."

Xuhe Zhang waved his hand with a serious expression.

"The Kentucky Derby has been my lifelong dream."

Before Ogawa could launch into his long speech about the Kentucky Derby, Kitano interrupted, "Speaking of which, I have something else I'd like to ask Mr. Ogawa!"

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Chapter 113: Selling Marseilles

"Is Mr. Kitano still asleep?"

Although it was in the form of a question, the girl's voice was extremely firm and echoed in the room.

The first camp discussion meeting after Kitano's return began in such an atmosphere.

The trainer and the rider had hesitant expressions on their faces.

"How about, think about it again, Brother Kitano."

Ogawa Katsu said cautiously with his head lowered.

How to get riders acclimated to the American dirt track rhythm——

I got the answer to this question before leaving Hokkaido.

Just try to run a few races before the main race.

It's a surprisingly simple method.

However, for a small camp whose funding and connections can only be described as pathetic, this is not something that can be easily achieved.

Of course, there are simpler options.

After the announcement of his first Kentucky Derby run, jockey agents lined up to call Kitano.

Several foreign riders with experience riding at Churchill Park and long-standing ties to Japan have also expressed interest through their agencies.

I really don't know where they got the contact information.

However, there is no idea of ​​temporarily replacing the rider.

Especially considering that Wada Maejo performed well in both games.

In this case, there is only one way left.

With just a few practice sessions on a small track, you can show off your skills at Churchill Park.

He wasn't that optimistic.

Besides, the Hotan riders don't seem to be the naturally gifted type.

Buy a local racehorse and give it to a rider to gain experience on American dirt tracks.

This is all Kitano can consider as a horse owner.

Maybe it's not a smart idea.

However, he just wanted to give it his best effort.

That's it.

"I know what I'm doing."

Kitano's gaze fell calmly on the girl's face.

"and--"

His eyes then shifted, scanning every face in the room.

"We've put in so much effort, not just to come to America and scoop up some dirt from Churchill Gardens."

Pat, pat—

Sparse applause rang out in the corner of the room.

Under the girl's cold gaze, Ogawa Masaru and Zepu lowered their arms at the same time.

"So what's the budget?"

The corners of Ogawa Kana's mouth rose slightly, but there was no warmth in her eyes.

The next second, she sighed deeply.

“Never mind—the goal is just to get the Wada rider on the horse before the derby, right?”

Biting her nails lightly, Ogawa Kana frowned and asked.

"That's right."

Kitano shrank his neck like a scolded student.

"Then let's try it."

After saying this, the girl stood up.

"I'll try to contact the trainer Dad used to know, but don't get your hopes up."

After glancing at Kitano, her somewhat vague eyes immediately shifted away.

"Let me help too."

Kitano also stood up.

Ogawa Kana frowned slightly, as if she had heard some difficult request.

"Mr. Kitano can go and see the horse race tomorrow."

The implication is——

Don't make trouble anymore.

"Feel sorry."

Kitano subconsciously tugged at his loose tie.

Then, the discussion ended hastily.

"Asheng, what is the auction of horses?"

After leaving the room, Kitano pulled Ogawa Katsu and asked in a low voice.

Although Kitano was able to detect what Ogawa Kana meant by relying on his ability to read the air, he was completely clueless about the "sale bid" mentioned by the girl.

"Hey! Kitano-san didn't know that?"

The boy showed a somewhat surprised expression.

But after realizing it, he patted his forehead and patiently explained, "Although it may be a bit confusing to explain, just think of it as an auction for two- and three-year-old horses with less impressive pedigrees or physical qualities, with a pre-race stage."

"That's pretty much like the October auction in Hokkaido."

Kitano nodded in sudden realization.

So that's how it is.

"Ahem! It's still a little different."

Ogawa Sheng coughed a few times awkwardly.

“Generally speaking, horses for sale in the races don’t have a very good track record, but they still have potential to be tapped.”

Now Kitano finally understood.

"Isn't this Lotte's Crazy Thursday?"

Ogawa Katsu on the side had a deathly pale expression on his face.

"But if you must say so, it's not much different."

Arriving at the door of the isolation stable, the two of them skillfully changed into protective clothing.

It is called protection, but in fact it only adds trouble to the expeditionary camp.

The only good thing is that the weather in Kentucky in April is not as hot as in the Middle East.

Of course, you will inevitably feel stuffy if you wear it for a long time.

He walked into the stable with a somewhat bloated step, and the barren mountain, which was also tightly wrapped, had already arrived.

The trainer was squatting on the ground, changing the water for Mejiro Sakuya through the small movable window under the fence.

"Let me do it, Master."

Xuhe Sheng hurriedly ran up and took over the task at hand from Huangshan.

Kitano observed Mejiro Sakuya's condition through the fence.

Shipping fever, fever in the hoof, loss of appetite, and changes in gas.

These problems that might plague expedition horse racing seem to be completely non-existent when it comes to Mejiro Sakuya.

What the camp was worried about was another unusual thing happening on an expedition.

"Have you gained some weight again?"

Kitano asked doubtfully as he touched the deer-haired horse's head that was sticking out from the movable fence.

Mejiro Sakuya shook her furry ears and her three white eyes lit up with some vigilance.

"There's no point pretending not to know you. Once the quarantine is over, go and lose weight."

Patting Mejiro Sakuya's head again, Kitano couldn't help but sigh.

During the quarantine period, the racehorses' activity space was basically limited to a small part of the stable.

If you think about it this way, then getting fat isn't entirely Mejiro Sakuya's fault.

"Dr. Stephen, I believe there's no doubt that Sakuya has met the USDA's release permit criteria."