Carnival's Meeting Gaze

Carnival Gazes Meet

As time gradually approached the carnival races, beneath the skies of Kasamatsu Racecourse, the uproar of the crowd rolled like tangible waves of heat, each louder than the last.

Colorful flags snapped above the stands, interwoven with the spectators' enthusiastic cheers. Countless voices shouted the legendary names "Oguri Cap," "Super Little Bay," and "Inari One," mixed with cries of support for local Horse Girls like "Fujimasa March" and "Flying to the Top."

The entire racetrack was immersed in a festive, jubilant atmosphere. Rather than a serious competition, it felt more like a grand party for Horse Girls and their fans.

Behind the temporary Commentary Booth at the front of the stands, Tamamo Cross held a microphone with great seriousness, though her commentary in her Kansai dialect was anything but formal. "Ooh—everyone looks fired up! They're all heading over to the Starting Gate! The crowd's cheering pretty loudly too! But I don't think it's enough! Let's hear you louder!"

She paused, sweeping her gaze across the track with a teasing note in her voice. "And Oguri, Little Bay, Inari! You lot are veterans among veterans. If you end up losing to some rookie juniors later, heh heh, I'm gonna laugh at you nonstop until the end of the year!"

That wholly "unprofessional" commentary drew waves of good-natured laughter from the crowd. Beside her, Berno Light, who was also serving as a commentator, wore a somewhat awkward smile. When Tamamo Cross finally paused, she leaned over and whispered worriedly, "T-Tama! Isn't your commentary... a little too informal?"

Tamamo Cross waved a hand dismissively. "C'mon, no need to make it so complicated! Everyone's here to have fun, right? What's wrong with keeping things relaxed? And look—"

She proudly pointed toward the stands.

Just as she said, many spectators had been