Mi Xue: Hoofbeats and Setting Out Again

The second day of the Breeders' Cup.

Determined to end his time riding in the United States with a victory, Ochiai stepped onto the track with a refreshed expression.

His face seemed both relieved and composed.

But one thing was beyond doubt—the long shadow that had hung over him since becoming a jockey had finally been swept away.

The Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint had originally featured only eleven starters, but one horse drawn in a wide outside gate withdrew at the last minute, leaving a field of ten on race day.

By noon, Churchill Downs had already drawn far more spectators than it had the previous day.

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In the pre-race parade ring, Better Next Time walked briskly, occasionally tilting his head to interact with the racing fans. He showed none of the tension one might expect before a major race.

This was his sixth start on turf, and there was no longer the slightest trace of hesitation or fear in his eyes.

The bell rang, and the gates sprang open.

Over a race of just five furlongs, the field quickly stretched out into a loose formation rarely seen in North America.

And out in front was a chestnut figure, dazzling beneath the sunlight.

"Though the goal lies ahead, we absolutely cannot lose this race."

As if determined to wipe away last year's gloom, Better Next Time and Ochiai maintained their front-running position over the late-closing horses until the final turn.

"This is the last time I'll give it everything this year. Just this once."

The jockey, already past thirty, clenched his teeth and launched his final charge toward the long-awaited graded-stakes and Grade One victory.

However—

Fate always loved to toy