Crossroads Brushed by the Autumn Wind

The day after the St Leger Stakes.

Simply passing through the hotel lobby, one could feel the atmosphere lingering after a festival-like celebration.

After making do with a rather modest breakfast, they set out from the hotel on the outskirts of Newmarket and walked the five minutes to Bedford Stables.

Outside, an unusually long stretch of clear British weather continued, not a cloud in sight.

Flags of every nation fluttered in the breeze that had finally announced autumn's arrival.

From the wind seemed to come the blare of a horn heralding the start of the second half of the racing season.

Two-year-olds, the Classic generation, older horses—their different paths gradually became clear in his mind.

Of course, the specific targets for their next starts would have to wait until he had met with each of their Trainers.

"Good morning, President Kitano."

Just as he was thinking that, a familiar voice reached him.

His thoughts broke off, and his attention was instantly pulled back to reality.

Despite apparently celebrating late into the night with Mr. Yutaka Take, Trainer Ikee had already appeared at the stables before seven in the morning.

His energy was truly admirable. After a brief greeting, he first turned his gaze toward the figure inside the stall.

It was said that some Racehorses changed their temperament to a certain extent after winning, and some that became aware of their own importance even started putting on airs.

However—

Even after winning the St Leger Stakes, Traveler treated both the other horses in neighboring stalls and the humans around her with the same unreadable attitude as always.

Had she simply not had the chance to reveal that side of herself yet, or did she not care?

Still, if it was Traveler—just with her brains alone, she could easily toy with