Deauville's Summer Festival

"That's wonderful!"

From the moment they crossed the line, Mr. Taniguchi's eyes had brimmed with tears, and he kept repeating those words.

"Congratulations. Your horse was outstanding."

Mr. Yan Zhu'an, on the losing side, graciously offered him a hug and even jokingly asked about plans to form Baozuo's syndicate.

Before the joy of That's wonderful could take hold, relief washed over him first.

At that moment, he felt nothing but gratitude toward Mr. Yutaka Take, Trainer Yoshida, groom Ikeda, and everyone else who had helped with the overseas campaign without counting the cost.

After that came countless "congratulations" and "thank yous," as everyone shook hands in a happy jumble.

Deauville soon became a sea of celebration for the Japanese contingent in every sense.

"Congratulations, congratulations."

The first jockey to congratulate the team was Mr. Ryan Moore.

The world-class jockey who had ridden Baozuo in last year's Breeders' Cup offered his congratulations from atop Flintheart, who had returned ahead of Baozuo.

Baozuo had won the Prix Jacques Le Marois, but the dark bay did not make his leisurely return until every other runner was back at the stables.

In the saddle, Mr. Yutaka Take visibly looked as though a great weight had lifted from his shoulders.

Below him, Baozuo panted heavily while enjoying the fans' pats from both sides of the rail.

"He looks so fierce."

"But he's actually such a sweet boy."

"He doesn't seem all that bright."

After Mr. Yutaka Take dismounted from Baozuo, his steps unconsciously quickened as he followed Trainer Yoshida, who looked close to tears, toward the pair.

Unlike at Japanese graded races, the post-race weigh-in and awards ceremony in France were both held on this modest patch of grass. After brief congratulations and hugs, the team members quickly took their places in a row for