Derby Story

"A carriage parade?"

He repeated the unfamiliar-sounding words.

"There are two places for the horse owner's party, plus the winning jockey and trainer."

The winning team's carriage parade had begun as a trial event for the 90th anniversary of the Japan Derby in 2023. It had been so well received that it remained part of Derby Day.

If the JRA staff had not explained it, he would have thought it was some ancient tradition that had existed for years, known to everyone except owners who had never won the Derby.

"Then are you all right with it, Mr. Sugiyama?"

He chose without hesitation who would accompany him as the owner's representative, then turned toward the Nishiken Farm representative, who was busy taking pictures with a compact camera.

Mr. Sugiyama let out an exaggerated cry of surprise. He fumbled to take off the camera and hand it to his wife, then adjusted his tie with a worried look.

That made him conscious of his own tie, and he reached for his neck.

His mind stopped for a moment before he realized he was not wearing his usual Western-style uniform today.

Silently praying no one had noticed, he followed the racecourse staff onto the open carriage.

It certainly looked exquisite, but sitting in it was not remotely comfortable.

As he stared at the coachman's back and let his thoughts wander, the carriage shuddered beneath him.

"If you want to celebrate or interact with the fans, please keep your movements as small as possible."

Before the carriage left the underground passage, a JRA staff member gave them that anxious reminder.

The carriage was far too cramped for four grown men.

As they emerged from the underground passage onto the main course, the view opened up.

He had expected the area along the rail