Return to Ritto

After stepping into the new year, it was time for a long-awaited return to Ritto Tracen after several months.

Perhaps affected by last year's warm winter, two-year-olds, including Hidaka-bred horses, had begun transferring out of the breeding regions in large numbers unusually early this spring.

Whether it was the JRA's two training centers or South Kanto, the number of horses entering the stables was said to be almost absurdly high. Even Monbetsu in the breeding region was facing much the same situation.

Thanks to the horse transport truck purchased last year, Traveler and Poetic Banquet had finally been smoothly transported to Honshu during the season that was beginning to grow busy for the racing world.

Still, they were Southern Hemisphere-bred two-year-olds and yearlings, disadvantaged in age compared to Northern Hemisphere-bred horses.

From transferring from Hokkaido to Honshu, entering the stable, training, gate tests, maiden races, and then the second start, fatigue and all sorts of unforeseen problems often arose along the way.

So even if things felt somewhat cramped at the beginning, they probably would not remain that way forever.

As he walked toward the training center, Kitano kept planning and adjusting the possible future schedules for his two-year-olds in his mind.

Passing through Ritto's Kaimon Gate, he happened to run into Trainer Ikee and the stable staff airing out bedding in front of the barn.

"Ah, President Kitano."

Setting down the pitchfork in his hands, the trainer wiped his hands on his coat and strode over in a few quick steps.

"Sorry for dropping by so suddenly and causing you trouble."

"Not at all."

As he spoke, Ikee took the paper documents handed over by an assistant, looked them over as if confirming something, then passed them to Kitano.

"Although some time has passed since his last race, Traveler