"The clash between a powerful four-year-old and a battle-hardened veteran. Last year's strongest long-distance horse, Mejiro Traveler, has entered the gate without issue. Next... number nine, Aureliano, is having some trouble entering. All right, Aureliano is in as well."
It was quite a sight. Even from the stands, they could see that it took four or five stable hands to finally get the gate-resistant Aureliano into the stall.
As I picked up another takoyaki with a bamboo skewer, I could not help feeling relieved. If the horse beside Traveler's gate had been making such a fuss, no matter how calm I stayed, it would have affected us somewhat.
As I thought that, the remaining runners all entered their stalls as well.
"Will it be the fulfillment of a long-held wish, or the continuation of victory? Three minutes and fifteen seconds for the highest honor available to older horses. All runners are loaded."
"The 181st Emperor's Prize—"
This book was first published on Taiwan Novel Network.
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The gates opened, and Beyond the Horizon broke cleanly.
"The race is on!"
Beyond the Horizon seized the lead as if making a declaration, but Traveler broke just as sharply and immediately used the advantage of the inside gate to secure second place right behind Beyond the Horizon.
"Number five, Beyond the Horizon, got off to an excellent start and has predictably chosen to lead! Bathed in applause after the gates opened, Mejiro Traveler has moved up slightly along the inside! First comes the uphill stretch on the back straight of the first lap, followed by the descent! Here, the leader Beyond the Horizon is easing the pace slightly."
As if intending to widen the gap further with the momentum gained from cresting Yodo Slope, Tanabe, aboard