The Out-of-Control Break from the Gate

August 17.

Even Hokkaido, at the northernmost edge of the country, had officially entered summer.

Kitano wiped away the sweat continuously dripping from his forehead.

The afternoon was oppressively hot, and the grandstands were noticeably less crowded than usual.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Kitano."

A lead pony rider passing below the stands called out to him.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Minai."

Kitano gave him a slight nod.

The bay lead pony beneath Minai suddenly raised its hoof and let out a short neigh.

"This kid's cheering on its junior."

Minai patted the bay horse's back and smiled.

"Ah, yes."

Kitano nodded distractedly.

The lead pony known as Mejiro Gozen had been among the final horses bred by Mejiro Farm.

Like a tea rose whose fate had already been decided once spring had passed, Mejiro Gozen had not created the miracle people had hoped for.

Winless in two starts, the bay horse was retired from racing in 2011.

Perhaps it was the final blessing granted by that name, or perhaps simply the horse's own good fortune.

In any case, Mejiro Gozen remained at the track after being deregistered, serving as a lead pony.

Not long ago, it had inexplicably grown in popularity.

On race days, enthusiastic racing fans would occasionally even try to feed it.

Swishing its tail, Mejiro Gozen ambled toward the paddock.

It still looked remarkably spirited.

Drawing back his gaze, Kitano followed behind the lead pony toward the paddock.

The paddock was considerably livelier than usual.

"Please take care of us today as well."

"Leave it to me."

Raising his head, Mejiro Tenma's shoulder muscles trembled faintly.

"I'm counting on you too."

Kitano murmured silently in his heart.

Then he watched the jockey and racehorse head away.

Until they disappeared completely from sight.

When he returned to the stands, the entire Ogawa family from the breeding farm had already arrived.

All three of them were dressed formally.

They were sweating constantly in the heat, just like Kitano.

Naturally, aside from the ever-overenthusiastic Ogawa Masaru, there was a reason the breeders had come to the track in person.

This race had been established to encourage breeders in Niikappu Town.

Therefore, only horses bred within Niikappu Town itself were eligible to run.

In addition to the regular prize money, the winning breeding farm would receive priority breeding rights for the following year to War Declaration, a stallion belonging to the Light-Breed Horse Association.

It seemed to be quite an alluring prize for many small and medium-sized farms.

"Pegasus looks to be in excellent condition, and there's absolutely no problem with the way he and jockey Ochiai work together."

After meeting with the three from the farm, Kitano spoke first.

"But fifteen hundred meters... I'm still worried after all—"

Ogawa Masaru wore an uneasy expression.

"We'll just do our best."

Ogawa Joe wiped his sweat with a handkerchief.

Though he had also chosen to attend in formal attire, he did not hold much hope that Mejiro Tenma would win today's race.

The last time, over 1,200 meters, it had already seemed like a struggle.

Its range probably ended around there.

Its body weight had increased by one kilogram from before its previous race.

It was such a small change that it was completely impossible to see on the gray horse.

Meanwhile, the rivals it was facing might have undergone tremendous growth in the few months since their debuts.

"...Number four, Demon King Opera. Number five, Three Winters Sun-Moon. Number six, Mejiro Tenma..."

The announcer had begun introducing the runners and their gate positions.

"He does seem to have grown. His understanding of racing has matured considerably as well."

Ogawa Kanna rested her chin on her right hand and pointed toward the track with her left.

"Really? How can you even tell?"

Ogawa Masaru shot her a skeptical look.

He could somewhat sense Pegasus's physical growth, but wasn't something like an "understanding of racing" only noticeable once the horse started running?

"Of course. It's because you're not as good as me."

Ogawa Kanna spoke calmly, as if she were merely stating a fact.

"Damn it... I'm the one who..."

The boy's muttering was instantly swallowed by a tremendous wave of noise.

[Mejiro]

That was the cheer being passed from countless voices.

Whether it was Kitano, the owner, Ogawa Joe, the representative of the breeding farm, or the bickering brother and sister, all of them looked up at once.

"That child is loved by everyone."

Kitano slowly withdrew his gaze.

On the track, the gray-white figure bobbed his head up and down, as though answering the fans' calls.

Then he entered the gate with ease.

The lead rope was released, and Mejiro Tenma lightly pawed at the ground with his forehooves.

"Is he nervous?"

Ochiai lowered his head and looked at his partner beneath him.

No—

He was probably excited.

He too was thrilled for the race about to begin.

"All horses are in the gates. Monbetsu Race 5, the Niikappu-Bred Horse Special..."

"They're off!"

The instant the gates sprang open, the tremendous inertia yanked Ochiai's body backward.

He fell uncontrollably onto the saddle.

Mejiro Tenma had broken very well.

But—

He was a little too excited.

Ochiai gently tugged the reins, trying to calm Mejiro Tenma down.

However, Mejiro Tenma showed absolutely no intention of slowing down.

Just leave it to me!

That seemed to be what he was thinking.

"This won't do."

Ochiai adjusted his riding posture as he worked the reins.

Avoiding the crowded pack along the rail, he took the more open outside route and moved into the lead.

The ideal position they had expected was near the back of the stalking group, around fourth or fifth.

Though several different tactics had been prepared before the race, this sort of development had never been among them.

At the unknown distance of 1,500 meters, could he hold the lead all the way—

Ochiai did not have much confidence in it.

But backing down now was impossible.

He could only grit his teeth and go for it.

"Number six, Mejiro Tenma, takes the lead! Half a length behind is number three, Lapis Doll, followed by number five, Three Winters Sun-Moon."

"Mejiro Tenma has broken free successfully and enters the first turn with roughly a one-length advantage."

Amid the cheers and clamor, sweat slowly seeped across Ochiai's face.

Though he did not hold much hope, he still instinctively tugged at the reins.

The rush of excitement seemed to have passed, and the gray horse actually slowed down.

Following the slightly more inside route they had anticipated, he entered the turn very smoothly.

Letting out a breath of relief, Ochiai turned his head.

It seemed the horses behind had judged that Mejiro Tenma would eventually lose speed, and they were in no hurry to close in.

"If that's the case..."

A bold idea slowly surfaced in his mind.