After the spring Grand Prix, Hokkaido finally welcomed real summer.
Here in Mitsuishi, there had been far more cool days than last year, but the sudden heat still left both the farm staff and horses somewhat exhausted.
The other farms still working toward the auction in this weather must have had it rough. Besides, even without paying much attention normally, the rising electricity and fuel bills were impossible to miss.
As for the active racehorses, Chongli and Poetic Banquet were among those returning to the farm for summer rest, but racing in the latter half of the year had already become busy in a sense.
First, Traveler and Sawin's joint overseas campaign had been confirmed. Although Traveler had also been entered in the Irish St Leger and Prix Royal Oak, the stable's focus was more on the Goodwood Cup, a 3,200-meter Grade 1 turf race held at the same venue two days after the Sussex Stakes.
The two St Leger races proposed by Trainer Ikee somehow did not seem particularly friendly to overseas contenders—especially those coming all the way from Japan—whether in terms of scheduling or prize money.
Simply put, they lacked appeal.
There was a saying in racing that "owners are all childish," but this time, between the major second-half objective of "conquering the St Legers of three countries" and "challenging the world's highest-paying long-distance race," the latter had been chosen.
It would have been a lie to say there had not been even a moment's hesitation while discussing the matter with everyone in the stable.
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Still, more than wondering which race to enter, the real thought was that overseas long-distance races really were a hassle.
Setting aside the Irish and French St Legers, whose prize money and race quality were both questionable, even the Melbourne Cup had