A Meteor Blooming at the Moment of the End

2:10 p.m.

The Longines Hong Kong International Races began with the day's fourth race at Sha Tin Racecourse, and Europe took the first victory in the Hong Kong Vase.

A brief break.

Against the lively entrance music, Baozuo, wearing saddlecloth number one, was the first to emerge from the tunnel.

His curious head turned from side to side, seemingly drawn for a moment to the golden trophy placed at the center of the parade ring.

"He's so adorable—"

"Look over here, Eri!"

As though responding to the fans' cheers, the dark bay horse, who had been looking everywhere just moments ago, swiftly turned his head and focused on a spot in the stands.

Then he began sidestepping like a crab.

The casual conversation with Trainer Yoshida came to a temporary halt, and similar, subtle expressions appeared on both their faces.

Wasn't he adapting a little too well? Even when the horses formed a circle for the parade, Ka Ying Rising, supposedly the stable's greatest rival, briefly stopped and turned to give Baozuo a somewhat puzzled look.

Then, just like during his previous two Hong Kong campaigns, Baozuo once again received the Best-Looking Horse Award for this race.

Though they had wanted to make a snarky remark, they ultimately held it back.

"Then—"

"Victory!"

At Yutaka Take's suggestion, the owner, Trainer, and Jockey shouted as they bumped fists.

As expected, they drew countless looks from the other connections and even the racing fans in the stands.

This really was too childish—though that thought briefly crossed his mind, as they gradually approached the track, all the distracting thoughts that had been circling through his head vanished without a trace.

The same Sha Tin Racecourse beneath the clear winter sky, the same finishing-post backdrop.

And the same sight of Baozuo stubbornly tangling with