Torrential Rain Since the Showa Era

It was said that in the United Kingdom, the birthplace of horse racing, the first Derby was held in 1780, another classic race following the St Leger Stakes, which had been established two years earlier.

Originally run over just one mile, the Derby was not initially regarded as an authoritative race. It would be quite some time before the three-year-old classics came to carry such prestige.

The Japan Derby began in the seventh year of the Showa Era, 152 years after the inaugural Derby, when the first race was held at Meguro Racecourse under the name Tokyo Yushun Grand Race.

And then came today, ninety-eight years later.

May 27, 2029. The ninety-sixth Tokyo Yushun—Japanese Derby.

The rain that had not stopped since yesterday had already made it clear when he woke in the middle of the night that the track would be going bad.

Still, when he pulled open the curtains of the Jockey Club Lodge where they had stayed last night and saw the rain continuing outside, he could not help crying out.

"It's going to be a rain race."

He pushed the door fully open and stepped into the lodge corridor—the hall where the various stable connections gathered.

"Kou, what is this...?"

Besides Sugiyama, who had spoken up, the other connections also cast him thoroughly astonished looks.

"After all, the Derby is something like a lifelong wish for us."

He wanted to win the Derby just as they had in spring. Although his memories of his grandfather had become quite vague, his grandfather's obsession with the Derby had somehow remained vivid.

So instead of wearing his usual dark suit or one in the race's theme color, he had changed into the kimono kept in the deepest part of his wardrobe, only brought out for New Year's and death