Before the Stretch Run's Decisive Move

Something suddenly came to mind—

It seemed that European races often required the payment of a hefty entry fee.

So before using the item, she turned to the trainer and asked with some concern.

"The Prix Jacques Le Marois... what's the entry fee?"

"It was originally 6,500 euros... but since we were invited by France Galop, not only is entry free, but the local racing authorities in Deauville will also cover part of the transportation costs."

The trainer, already several cups of sake in, explained at a rapid pace.

"So that's how it is—"

Rather than delight, it came as something of a surprise.

In recent years, France Galop had apparently faced serious financial problems and had repeatedly cut prize money for conditions races.

From that perspective, paying to invite strong overseas horses to race in France could also be seen as an effort by France Galop to slow its decline.

She switched screens on her phone and opened the information Yoshida had sent to the stable group about the Prix Jacques Le Marois. Only after reading for quite some time did she finally look up.

The winner's prize was 497,200 euros, roughly 90 million yen.

—Even compared to the three-year-old-only NHK Mile Cup, it was slightly inferior, let alone Japan's two domestic G1 sprint-mile races, the Sprinters Stakes and Mile Championship.

Considering the cost of an overseas campaign as well, the actual return in prize money would take quite a considerable hit.

Of course, when the breeder also served as the owner, the importance of a race entry could not be judged by prize money alone.

For a colt with potential as a stud, the Prix Jacques Le Marois held far greater potential value as a stallion credential than Japan's two autumn sprint-mile races.

After thinking it over for