November 24th.
The day has finally arrived.
Although it feels like the weather has turned colder again unconsciously, it is probably still a little too early to feel the breath of winter.
Even so, horse racing during this period always makes people feel inexplicably sad.
The final Fuchu horse racing of the year.
After receiving unanimous approval from the veterinarian, Stables and the horse owner, Chongli finally returned to this sad place.
The sky I saw when I looked up was gray.
In previous years, at this time, it was usually sunny weather that is common in Fuchu autumn, but when I stood at the main entrance of Tokyo Racecourse and looked up, all I could see was the hazy sky that stretched to the end of my sight.
After completing the registration at the horse owner's check-in office, I did not go directly to the grandstand as usual.
The flower-laying stand set up for Mr. Katsumi inside the racecourse is already filled with flowers sent by related parties and horse fans.
Clap your hands and then bow. While completing this action, you can hear the discussion of "If only Light's Wedge were here today" from the horse fans beside you who are also mourning.
If Light's Wedge is also here, it will be Chongli who takes the place of Light's Wedge who was the runner-up of Autumn Emperor's Prize, and who stands on this stage as Japan with the highest international rating.
Ireland Champion Stakes Excellent Winning Horse Master Carver, Grand Prix de Paris Award winner Hanno, Satsuki Sho horse Invincible, King Baru who is walking forward Autumn Emperor's Prize E... In the face of fierce opponents at home and abroad, Chongli, who competes as "Japan's strongest horse", is only regarded as a "championship contender" five times more popular.
Last year, Japan Cup had twelve moves and Takarazuka Kinen had four moves. The adjustment to the autumn season after a long break also happened unexpectedly.
Therefore, even though the gate position is excellent at level 7, it is not incomprehensible that it will end up with this level of pre-match popularity.
However, from the moment he stepped into the racecourse, a certain emotion that was more like unwillingness than anger kept gathering in his chest.
Perhaps it was a coincidence, but the dark clouds that had been filled with Fuchu City since the morning slowly dissipated inexplicably before the cheers and reward system in front of Japan Cup.
When I left the runaway horse owner's room and set out to visit the pre-race saddle building, the clouds had completely dispersed. What was above my head was no longer a thick cloud layer, but a clear blue sky extending to the horizon.
When we arrived at the saddlery, in addition to the training assistant and stable attendant, we also saw Mr. Haruki.
As far as the work of the saddlery is concerned, unless there is a competition to ride, there will be an overwhelming number of people who will not go to Jockey other than Jockey.
In terms of current achievements, it is naturally difficult to be classified into the ranks of Jockey, but it is said that Mr. Haruki will come here every time as before.
"How is your body tone?"
He walked up to the stable attendant who was tying the abdominal belt on Chongli, and asked this question.
"It looks good. I was worried a few days ago that transportation would be more difficult, but Duraran was eating and sleeping well until just now, as if I was at home."
As he answered this, the stable attendant pursed his lips and raised his head as if to look in the direction of the parade ground.
Although I can't see anything clearly from here.
Immediately afterwards, the stable attendant turned his head again and cast his gaze in the direction of Mr. Haruki.
Looking along his line of sight, Mr. Haruki, who seemed to have been silent since a long time ago, nodded.
"The state from Timed Workout to now is very good, so I should win."
Although his tone was calm, Mr. Haruki, like Mr. Stable Steward, looked up at the review ground.
We will run good results and let you see my strength! Just wait and see - although I have never put it into words, this seems to be the common aspiration of all those involved in the camp.
Including being very angry after learning about the popularity before the game, and threatening to "come wearing Derby's suit that day"
Mr. Sugiyama.
But having said that, summer suits are indeed a bit out of date now.
I really hope Mr. Sugiyama won't catch a cold from this.
After arriving at the review venue, I saw Mr. Sugiyama wearing the same outfit as on Derby day.
"This is too much!"
Looking up at the real-time popularity chart next to the review venue, Mr. Sugiyama couldn't help but complain.
A few more minutes passed after that.
In the noisy review field, the sixteen runaway horses of Japan Cup appeared one after another.
When it was Chongli's turn, I seemed to be able to hear whispers like "Derby horse from the past".
However, neither Chongli nor anyone related to him bowed his head or lowered his head.
With every step, the sound of hooves hitting the ground resounded.
As time goes by and experience accumulates, the originally impetuous pace has become calm and determined.
Even though time has passed, the bond between man, horse and people has never wavered.
Everything is just to create glory again in this place that was once bathed in cheers and once cast in gloom.
After the last conversation before the game, Mr. Haruki took a deep breath and then climbed onto Chongli's horse neatly.
He proudly displayed his majestic body and walked confidently as if declaring "I am standing here again."
After the review session was over and I returned to Chairman Ma, I stopped for a while in front of the coffee machine provided for runaway horse owners.
Although the weather was no longer as hot as it was at Derby, most people, including Mr. Sugiyama, still chose iced coffee.
Maybe I have the idea that "even if I get too excited and knock it over, it won't get burned."
Mixed with the huge claps and the Kanto prize horn that resounded through the sky, what came into view was the extremely bright green grass that seemed to sting your eyes.
"The horn sound brought by everyone from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Central Band, played live, today's live performance is Ayumu Kozuka from Radio Nikkei."
Accompanied by the commentary of the live broadcaster Kozuka, Mr. Sugiyama was chatting with Mr. Sugiyama between the seats to discuss possible developments.
At this time, Starter's Tower has risen to the top.
The racecourse is naturally in good condition, and the green lawn bathed in the west-slanting sunlight is as smooth and beautiful as a carpet.
A perfect stage to determine the strongest horse currently in service.
"Tokyo Racecourse The twelfth race, Japan Autumn International Invitational, 50th Earthquake Disaster Recovery Support Race·Longines Japan Cup, International Grade 1 Race. Unfortunately Light's Wedge withdrew from the competition. This time it is a race of sixteen horses."
"Japan Classic and ten horses from ancient times, and then six overseas horses led by Master Carver, the strongest three-year-old horse in Europe, will join the battle. Japan It's a year that both horses and humans need to cheer up. Please try to keep quiet until the floodgates open."
Because the starting gate box of the Japan Cup, or Fuchu grassland of 2,400 meters is located on the straight adjacent to the grandstand, in order to avoid disturbing the entry gate, everyone, both fans and horse owners, will subconsciously restrain the volume before the start of the race.
Despite this, I could still clearly hear Mr. Sugiyama whispering "Stop looking down on others" in my ears.
As if time stood still, Japan Cup began the period of time before the horse left and entered the gate.
Putting the coffee in his hand on the table, the ice cubes in the cup also made a "clack-clack" sound.
Then "The decisive battle between Japan and the world's strongest horse, Japan Cup sets sail now!"