Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

I left the bed without any reluctance, and when my bare feet touched the slightly cold floor, I couldn't help shivering.

There's no real point in fighting to get out of bed, but small victories like these might actually impact your mood for the rest of the day.

Closing his mouth to suppress a yawn, Kitano staggered into the bathroom.

The morning light filtered through the gaps in the blinds, making the faucet on the washbasin sparkle.

He turned on the faucet, and the cool touch immediately refreshed him.

There is still a lot to do today.

After washing up, I changed my clothes at a slightly faster speed.

It was still early, so he looked through the Kentucky Derby entry list, which he had seen countless times.

Even the reserve (also-eligible) part was not spared.

Among the people on the list, Mejiro Sakuya was the first to arrive at Churchill Garden.

However, up to now, the progress of training can only be described as regrettable.

Even after being released from quarantine, it will probably take a few days to lose weight.

This year's Kentucky Derby will be held earlier than usual, on May 2nd.

The actual time left for the camp to adapt was only about ten days, which was less than expected.

Bathed in the dim light filtering through the curtains, Kitano placed the list on the table.

Later today, Katuna will be shipped from Santa Anita, California, to Churchill Park.

This was the day after the deal was done.

As the price of high efficiency, the transportation costs will naturally be borne by Kitano.

As a form of after-sales service, O'Neal said Katuna could continue to be registered under his name after the deal was completed.

But that's all.

Standing up, Kitano pushed open the door leading to the hotel corridor.

The camp was housed in an old hotel not far from Churchill Gardens.

Every time the door of the room opens and closes, it makes a sharp noise that makes your teeth ache.

"Ah—good morning, Mr. Kitano."

Kana Ogawa walked out of the room diagonally opposite at about the same time.

The girl yawned, and her face looked a little sleepy.

"Good morning, Ms. Ogawa."

Kitano nodded slightly.

The two chatted as they walked, mostly about horse racing.

"Over at Katuna, how about trying to sign up for the Ascot Stakes the day before the Derby?"

The start venue of the Ascot Stakes is Churchill Park, the same venue as the Kentucky Derby. Apart from the strong horses competing for the victory, the registration intention of the camps is not very strong, so there is no need to worry too much about the number of runners.

In addition, the horse racing fans gathered at the Oaks Races can also simulate the atmosphere of the Derby Day to a certain extent.

Two years ago, the Yahagi camp sent rider Sakai and his horse Saint-Denis, who was always young, to compete in the event the day before the derby.

For the expedition team that has been copying Master Yahagi's work, this is also a reference example.

"There's nothing wrong with what I'm saying."

After a while of consideration, Kitano shook his head.

After a brief pause, he continued, "However, let's listen to what Master Huangshan and the others have to say."

Ogawa Kana made a "tsk" sound in annoyance.

The two of them came to the hot dog stand across from the hotel.

"I'll treat you."

Kitano took the lead and took out two $5 bills with Lincoln printed on them.

"Thanks."

Taking her own hot dog, Ogawa Kanna whispered.

After taking a bite, Kitano was choked by the unknown spicy sauce on the hot dog and started coughing.

After staring at him for a while, the girl walked away silently.

When she appeared again, she had a can of ice cola in her hand.

"It's my turn to treat you this time."

The can was almost touching Kitano's face, and a cunning curve appeared in the corner of Ogawa Kana's eyes.

"Thank you."

Taking the Coke, Kitano opened the pull ring with one hand with a "click".

He tilted his head back and took a big gulp, then let out a long, comfortable breath.

I will never eat hot dogs sold by Mexicans again.

but--

It’s better not to waste food this time.

My tongue gradually became numb, but I finally swallowed the whole hot dog with a Coke.

The girl on the other side had a calm expression on her face as she slowly wiped the food residue from her fingertips with a handkerchief.

After breakfast, like most racing agents living near Churchill Park, they returned to the hotel.

Except for Zep, the hoof trimmer, who was still fast asleep, everyone else in the camp had gotten up.

The expedition team's morning meeting began by unceremoniously occupying the sofa in the main hall of the hotel.

Kitano first threw out the Yashibo Stakes, which was suggested by Kana Ogawa.

"It would be best if we could warm up at Churchill Gardens, but is there anything wrong with the veterinary examination?"

Huangshan nodded repeatedly, but still raised his doubts at the end of his words.

He always had doubts about whether Katuna could pass the pre-match inspection for the championship at the age of seven.

"As long as they're not in a situation where they obviously can't run, they can play at Kentucky."

As a traditional top horse racing state, Kentucky has long maintained a fairly relaxed animal protection policy.

"Then there's no problem on my end."

The heavy object on the horse trainer's chest finally rolled off with a "thump".

"no problem."

As usual, the rider's response was brief.

"Then I'll try to sign up first."

Ogawa Kana nodded slightly, then stood up.

Registration for the Ascot Stakes was completed before going to Churchill Park to submit an application for release from quarantine.

You might even run into someone you know at the Yashibao Stakes!

Not long after, Kana Ogawa sent a message like this in the expedition team's LINE group.

What was sent next was the registration list for the Yashibao Stakes.

In the trainer column, there is indeed a barely familiar name like Yue Boren.

However, the rider's column was changed to the somewhat unfamiliar name "Moya".

After using the browser for a bit, I quickly gathered a lot of information about Moya Rider.

"It seems they are serious about this."

Thinking of this, Kitano felt secretly relieved.

However, after arriving at the isolation stable, the mood became less relaxed.

In addition to the cumbersome review procedures, Mejiro Sakuya's continued weight gain also caused headaches for the camp.

After a long time, the deer-hair horse was finally led out of the isolation area. Both he and the horse trainer Huangshan had complicated expressions on their faces.

"Let's start treadmill and swimming training this afternoon."

After a brief hesitation, Huangshan made this proposal.

Thanks to Xiaotian for the 500 starting coins reward

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Ciallo～(∠ω<)⌒★

The third update will be later

Chapter 116: Moving Forward in the Mud

On a somewhat sultry afternoon, Hetian stepped into the grounds of Churchill Gardens.

The sky gradually darkened and dark clouds pressed down on the ground.

The rainy season arrived at Churchill Park before the derby.

Several horses on the track hurriedly finished their training.

The clatter of riding boots echoed down the corridor.

The season has not yet begun, and the stadium, which is said to have a capacity of 150,000 people, is so empty that it is almost abstract.

The occasional sparse figures were mostly just horse trainers and their stable assistants.

This will be Hetian's first ride at Churchill Park.

Fortunately, there is still a chance to trial and error before the official competition.

Even if it's just a warm-up match, he is ready to devote himself to it.

“If you don’t give your best, you won’t be able to repay them enough.”

With this mentality, I walked through the entrance corridor and arrived at the stadium.

It is impossible to say that you feel no pressure at all when you step into Churchill Park as a rider.

It's like a player standing on the 12-yard line in the Champions League final, taking the penalty kick that decides his fate.

The short distance of just over ten yards from the center of the field to the penalty spot may very well be the longest distance he will ever travel in his life.

Wada's heartbeat began to accelerate.

The sky grew darker and darker, and the scattered human figures completely disappeared as if being wiped out with an eraser.

The cold rain suddenly fell, hitting the ground violently.

With no intention of seeking cover, Hotan continued to approach the track.

The rain slid down his jawline, continuing to wash away the traces of time on the rider's sportswear.

The already wet track began to turn into a mud pond.

After crossing the fence, Hetian began to inspect the stables.

"What is this—"

There was a strange feeling from under my feet, as if someone was reaching out and pulling me.

The rain hadn't even started to fall yet, but the conditions on the track were already quite bad.

The rider walked towards the inner layer of the track, alternating between shallow and deep movements, as if he was walking in a paddy field.

After repeated attempts, Hetian finally came to a conclusion.

If it rains on the day of the race, both the inside and outside lanes will be similarly bad routes.

"Maybe we can catch some loaches."