Midsummer: Triumph and an Undecided Course

Once again led out of the stables, the dark bay horse happily walked around the tree-shaded parade ring, with Yan Zhu'an at his side.

"Mr. Take's ride was incredible. Even Olivier doesn't produce a performance like that every day."

The French breeder, who had jokingly teased Yutaka Take before the race, was now speaking in an almost exaggerated tone.

Before long, after the sweat had finally dried, Baozuo reluctantly boarded the horse van.

Ikeda, the groom, left with him. They would return together to the stable in Chantilly.

Aside from the man and horse returning to Chantilly, the rest of the team remained in Deauville.

The celebration was held at a restaurant called "L'Essentiel" not far from the racecourse. It was said to be extremely popular during the summer season, so Yutaka Take had reserved seats half a month in advance.

Although there had been thoughts of whether that was a little premature, a look at the reservation app afterward showed that most nearby restaurants had no openings until at least a week later.

As expected of Yutaka Take, who called himself half a France expert. Besides trainer Yoshida and jockey Yutaka Take, Orix, Yan Zhu'an, Yahagi, who had attended the Deauville Summer Sale at President Fujita's request, and several media reporters who had come from Japan were all invited to the banquet.

"It has only been a year since that child debuted. To keep winning on the world stage so soon after the NHK Mile Cup is all thanks to Trainer Yoshida and Mr. Take—of course, as well as Mr. Ikeda, who isn't here."

As soon as the words were spoken, Trainer Yoshida hurriedly stood up and bowed deeply, his face full of emotion.

Ikeda, who joined the celebration online through a tablet, also bowed from inside the swaying