Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “A Bountiful Haul”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After reviewing the first day’s auction catalog, Kitano expects to leave empty-handed because the only remaining horse he truly wants, Ways And Means, is beyond his budget.
• During the sale of Lot 197, Dazzling Move, a five-year-old Grade Three-winning black bay mare, Kitano uses [Detector] and discovers two valuable hidden traits: [Explosive Acceleration] and [Early Maturity], the latter linked to an icon suggesting she has a promising foal.
• Kitano places a maximum bid of $1.15 million, intimidating smaller buyers and causing several competitors to withdraw. He ultimately purchases Dazzling Move for $745,000, less than expected.
• He attempts to buy a second broodmare, but despite using his final [Detector], he fails. His only other gain is the improvement of [Horse-Sense Eye] from B- to B. Nearly all his stored omamori are consumed, while [Inspiration] remains at E-.
• In the auction-house lounge, Kitano meets Kimura of New Life Ranch, who proudly shows off a four-year-old listed-race mare he bought for $320,000.
• Kitano privately knows the mare has a [Difficult Temperament], but avoids revealing this directly. Kimura jokingly offers him the future foal of Miss Pro, Mejiro Sakuya’s mother, but Kitano declines despite being tempted.
• After completing the paperwork and benefiting from Kentucky’s lack of tax for overseas buyers, Kitano arranges transport for Dazzling Move.
• News reports announce Kitano’s purchase, while additional reports mention possible overseas plans for Thorpedo Anna and the disappointing second-place finish of Everlasting Youth at the Breeders’ Cup.

Character Developments

• Kitano demonstrates greater confidence and decisiveness as a buyer. Rather than passively waiting for an ideal opportunity, he recognizes Dazzling Move’s hidden potential and commits to a substantial bid.
• His decision also shows restraint: although he is tempted by Kimura’s offer of Miss Pro’s future foal, he refuses because of the ethical and practical implications of taking something so valuable merely for personal use.
• Kitano’s reliance on [Detector] is emphasized. Its limited uses force him to accept uncertainty, and he becomes acutely aware of how difficult auctions are without supernatural assistance.
• Kimura appears increasingly proud of his own purchasing success and remains friendly and competitive with Kitano. His confidence contrasts with Kitano’s more cautious, analytical attitude.

Significant Themes

• Hidden value and informed judgment: Dazzling Move’s worth is not immediately obvious from her public record; Kitano’s special ability reveals qualities that justify his investment.
• Risk and reward: Kitano risks a large sum but secures the mare below his maximum bid, turning what seemed likely to be an unproductive day into a major success.
• Scarcity and dependence: The depletion of omamori and Detector uses highlights the cost of relying on extraordinary abilities and foreshadows greater difficulty in future purchases.
• Responsible ownership: Kitano’s refusal to acquire Miss Pro’s foal reflects his sense of responsibility and his unwillingness to treat a valuable bloodline as a mere object or lucky acquisition.
• Competition in the bloodstock market: The auction reveals the pressure, strategy, and financial limits governing breeders and agents, while also showing Keeneland’s global importance.

Character Interactions

• Kitano’s bold bid for Dazzling Move influences the entire auction floor, discouraging smaller buyers and prompting one agent to consult a superior before abandoning the purchase.
• His interaction with the bid spotter confirms the seriousness of his maximum offer and establishes his authority as a major buyer.
• With Kimura, Kitano maintains a warm, familiar relationship based on mutual respect and light teasing. He praises Kimura’s mare while privately recognizing her behavioral weakness.
• Kimura’s playful proposal regarding Miss Pro’s future foal briefly tests Kitano’s priorities, but their shared laughter allows the conversation to end amicably.
• The chapter closes with Kitano’s successful purchase becoming public news, signaling his growing reputation in the international horse-racing world.

Chapter Summary: “Biting and Shoeing”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitano returns to Hokkaido as winter approaches, worrying about Mejiro Farm’s ability to withstand its first severe winter. Potential problems include frozen pipes, snow removal, and ground subsidence.
• The old double-row stable is being renovated. Six of its twelve stalls are being combined into larger foaling stalls for broodmares, while the remaining stalls are left unchanged to avoid creating overly spacious environments that could cause injuries.
• Kitano inspects the horses, including Mejiro Tenma, Starship, and the newly arrived Dazzling Move.
• Dazzling Move has developed an alarming habit of biting almost everything around her, including clothing, ropes, fences, buckets, and feed troughs. The behavior is serious because she is Mejiro Farm’s first broodmare.
• Kitano and the staff investigate possible medical causes. Dental problems, gastrointestinal illness, and parasites are ruled out, leading them to suspect stress, anxiety, environmental change, or psychological causes.
• The staff decide to try adding more hay, increasing Dazzling Move’s turnout time, using bittering agents, and providing salt blocks.
• Starship undergoes shoeing. She initially reacts to the hot branding iron but quickly becomes calm and cooperative, even raising her leg voluntarily for the farrier.
• Kitano observes Starship’s soft hooves and flexible joints, reinforcing his belief that she is especially suited to sprint distances despite disagreement from others at the farm and online.
• The chapter ends with a separate note that Aidan O’Brien plans to have Joyful Time race in the Middle East the following year.

Character Developments

• Kitano is shown balancing his responsibilities as farm president and veterinarian. Though concerned about winter and Dazzling Move’s behavior, he remains practical and attentive. He continues to stand firmly by his assessment of Starship’s racing potential.
• Asayama acts as a responsible manager overseeing both the stable renovations and the horses’ care. He is observant and cautious about Dazzling Move’s temperament.
• Ravide contributes practical knowledge from Indian breeding practices, suggesting bittering sprays and salt blocks to curb biting.
• Zepp demonstrates patience and gentleness while shoeing Starship, contrasting his imposing appearance with his calm handling of the filly.
• Dazzling Move appears lively, beautiful, and energetic but also displays troubling destructive biting behavior, suggesting she may be struggling to adjust to her new environment.
• Starship proves calm, adaptable, and cooperative during her first shoeing, while her physical traits support Kitano’s belief that she will excel in sprint races.

Significant Themes

• Adapting to harsh environments: The approaching Hokkaido winter represents a major challenge for the new farm and emphasizes the difference between romanticized winter imagery and the practical realities of farming.
• Animal behavior and psychological stress: Dazzling Move’s biting illustrates how changes in surroundings can affect horses emotionally and behaviorally, even when no physical illness is present.
• Responsible horsemanship: The staff investigate Dazzling Move’s problem carefully rather than punishing her immediately, showing an emphasis on observation, prevention, and humane treatment.
• Individual differences in horses: The chapter highlights that horses require different stable arrangements and care. Larger stalls may benefit broodmares but can be dangerous for more excitable animals.
• Trust and potential: Starship’s cooperation during shoeing reflects her calm temperament and growing trust in the humans around her. Her physical qualities also fuel debate over her future as a racehorse.
• Conviction versus outside opinion: Kitano remains confident in his evaluation of Starship despite criticism from colleagues and social media.

Character Interactions

• Kitano and Asayama discuss the progress of the stable renovation and Dazzling Move’s temperament.
• Kitano personally examines Dazzling Move and checks her teeth after hearing about her destructive biting.
• The farm staff gather to discuss the biting problem, combining Kitano’s veterinary judgment with Ravide’s practical experience.
• Zepp handles Starship gently during shoeing while Asayama steadies her and encourages her.
• Kitano and Asayama agree that Starship possesses unusually soft hooves and flexible joints, though Asayama remains aware of the disagreement over her ideal racing distance.

Chapter Summary: “Chestnut Gale”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter opens by recalling Heiseke, a legendary 1970s racehorse who became a symbol of hope during the oil crisis after setting the Heiseke Memorial record in 1972.
• Fifty-four years later, the Heiseke Memorial is held at Oi Racecourse, with fifteen two-year-old horses competing over 1,600 meters.
• Mejiro Atalanta, the favorite after winning the Golden Youngster Stakes, faces several disadvantages:
  • She is easily frightened and excitable.
  • She hesitates at a shadow near the starting gate.
  • She draws the unfavorable outside gate twelve.
  • The large crowd and tight turns of Oi could cause her to lose control.
• Jockey Sasagawa, trainer Majima, groom Okisawa, and owner Kitano each manage their own anxiety while trying to keep Atalanta calm. Sasagawa decides not to suppress her impatience but instead channel it into speed.
• At the start, Atalanta breaks cleanly, moves into the lead, and settles into the second or third lane from the rail before the first turn.
• She maintains an extremely fast pace through the compact turns and backstretch without showing fatigue. Her smooth stride makes Sasagawa wonder whether she may eventually handle longer distances.
• Atalanta enters the final turn still in complete control while her rivals struggle to keep up. She wins by a commanding margin.
• Her winning time of 1:39.0 breaks Heiseke’s fifty-four-year-old record of 1:39.2.
• The victory gives Atalanta three wins in three races and turns her into a new heroic figure associated with Oi.
• Afterward, Kitano announces that Atalanta’s season is over and that she will return to Mejiro Farm for rest and turnout rather than compete in the All Japan Two-Year-Old Championship.

Character Developments

• Mejiro Atalanta: Shows major progress in handling fear and pressure. Although she remains spirited, she enters the gates successfully and converts her nervous energy into a devastating front-running performance. Her victory establishes her as an undefeated star and potential successor to Heiseke’s legacy.
• Sasagawa: Gains confidence in his partnership with Atalanta. Instead of trying to restrain her as he normally does, he trusts her instincts and uses her impatience constructively. His belief that she may handle longer distances reflects growing confidence in her ability.
• Majima: Experiences intense anxiety as a first-time Heiseke Memorial trainer, worrying that the crowd, gate position, and Atalanta’s temperament will cause disaster. Her flawless performance validates the team’s preparation.
• Kitano: Remains calm and realistic. He prioritizes Atalanta’s long-term health over an aggressive season, deciding that she should rest regardless of the result and should not enter the next major championship.
• Okisawa: Demonstrates patience and practical care by personally showing Atalanta that the frightening “shadow” is harmless, helping her overcome the final obstacle before the race.

Significant Themes

• Legacy and succession: Atalanta’s record-breaking victory parallels Heiseke’s historic achievement, suggesting that she may become Oi’s next legendary hero.
• Fear transformed into strength: Atalanta’s nervous energy, once a liability, becomes the force behind her explosive start and sustained lead.
• Trust and teamwork: The victory depends on cooperation among horse, jockey, trainer, groom, and owner. Each contributes by understanding Atalanta rather than simply trying to control her.
• Patience over immediate glory: Kitano’s decision to rest Atalanta emphasizes protecting her future instead of pursuing every available title.
• Redemption and renewal: The race renews the emotional connection between Oi’s spectators and its racing history, replacing nostalgia for Heiseke with excitement over a new champion.

Character Interactions

• Kitano’s quiet request—“Please”—communicates the weight of expectation he places on Sasagawa, while Sasagawa’s resolve shows his acceptance of that responsibility.
• Okisawa calmly demonstrates the harmlessness of the rail shadow, and Sasagawa joins in soothing Atalanta, revealing their shared understanding of her sensitive nature.
• Majima’s visible panic contrasts with the owner’s composure, highlighting different forms of concern within the team.
• Sasagawa and Atalanta develop a more trusting racing partnership when he channels her impatience instead of fighting it.
• The crowd’s chants and cheers reflect their growing faith in Atalanta, while the announcer’s increasingly excited commentary elevates her victory into a historic event.

Chapter Summary: “A Morning Toward Winter”

Key Plot Points and Events

• On a cold, overcast Monday morning, the staff of Mejiro Farm meets to discuss preparations for winter.
• Ravide reports that deer have begun entering the farm again, raising concerns that they might frighten Starship. The problem is especially urgent because Atalanta will soon return to the farm to recover.
• The staff discusses the declining effectiveness of chemical deer repellents in snowy weather. Asayama suggests using reflective streamers, which loggers employ to deter wildlife, and Kitano agrees to try them.
• The possibility of allowing Starship and Atalanta to graze together is considered. Their calm and sociable temperaments suggest they should get along, though the staff fondly remembers the absent Mejiro Tenma’s more troublesome presence.
• Mejiro Tenma is scheduled to race that evening at Monbetsu Closing Day in the 1,200-meter Support Hokkaido Next Year Special, an A1-class event suited to his recent return from injury.
• During his routine inspection, Kitano observes Starship calmly watching a crow and Dazzling rolling in the grass. He is relieved that Dazzling has stopped chewing inappropriate objects, though her behavior will still create extra work for Ravide.
• At the training center, Rachel Ho and Kitano conduct Mejiro Sakuya’s first treadmill session. She walks for five minutes at a low speed and level incline while wearing monitoring equipment.
• Sakuya is initially uneasy and awkward but gradually adapts. Her stride and breathing are normal, though her heart rate is somewhat low. Kitano decides to continue her rehabilitation gradually according to plan.
• After the session, Kitano rewards Sakuya with a single mint candy, which she has been hoping to receive.

Character Developments

• Kitano demonstrates careful, practical leadership. He takes the deer threat seriously, monitors the horses closely, and prioritizes gradual, safe rehabilitation for Sakuya.
• Rachel Ho continues gaining responsibility and confidence. Though nervous about operating the treadmill for the first time, she handles the equipment and data collection competently.
• Starship appears calm, self-possessed, and mature for his age, behaving almost like a confident victor even when confronted by a crow.
• Dazzling remains playful and unruly, though she has at least stopped chewing random objects.
• Mejiro Sakuya begins adapting to structured exercise after a period of inactivity. Her performance is encouraging despite her awkward gait and low heart rate.
• Mejiro Tenma is absent from the farm but remains important through discussion of his upcoming race and the staff’s nostalgic remembrance of him.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and adaptation: The farm prepares for harsher winter conditions, while Sakuya begins adapting to rehabilitation equipment and renewed exercise.
• Care and responsibility: The staff’s concern for the horses’ safety shows the emotional and practical demands of managing the farm.
• Patience in recovery: Kitano emphasizes gradual progress rather than rushing Sakuya’s training.
• Companionship and absence: The discussion of Starship and Atalanta’s future compatibility contrasts with the staff’s sense of missing Tenma’s lively presence.
• Seasonal transition: The cold, dim morning and approaching snow create an atmosphere of change and foreshadow more difficult conditions ahead.

Important Character Interactions

• Ravide raises the deer problem, while Rachel initially downplays the danger before reconsidering it because of Atalanta’s return.
• Asayama proposes reflective streamers, and Kitano accepts the practical suggestion.
• Kitano and Rachel work together during Sakuya’s treadmill training, with Rachel managing the equipment and data while Kitano observes and reassures the mare.
• Kitano comforts Sakuya throughout the exercise, walks her afterward, and rewards her with a mint candy, reinforcing their affectionate and trusting relationship.

Chapter Summary: Cheer for Him Next Year Too

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitano arrives at Monbetsu Racecourse on a crowded closing race day, finding the venue packed with racing fans.
• Mejiro Tenma—once known for his unruly behavior—is presented as a mature, composed white racehorse. His return marks his first race in three months after recovering from synovitis.
• Despite drawing an unfavorable outside gate and facing older, experienced competitors, Tenma is considered the favorite.
• Jockey Ochiai believes Tenma must break away early to avoid being trapped in the pack.
• Tenma starts strongly, settles into his own rhythm, and moves into the lead by the third turn.
• Defending champion Kiryoku Ichiryu challenges him, but Tenma maintains a steady half-length advantage and wins from start to finish.
• The victory confirms that Tenma has recovered fully, though Kitano and Ochiai remain restrained because they see future races—especially after winter—as the true test.
• After the race, Kitano meets Ogawa Joe and his daughter at an izakaya. Their discussion shifts from Tenma’s victory to breeding plans for Dazzling Action.
• Kitano secretly exchanges his accumulated “charms” for the [Advisory Team] feature, seeking assistance with breeding decisions.
• Ogawa advises that, if financially possible, Kitano should choose an American stallion, arguing that European and American breeding standards remain more advanced than Japan’s.

Character Development

• Mejiro Tenma/Pegasus: Demonstrates major growth from a nervous, troublesome young horse into a calm and confident competitor. His disciplined behavior before the race and controlled performance show emotional and physical maturity.
• Ochiai: Returns Tenma’s confidence with complete trust. He remains focused and cautious rather than celebrating prematurely, recognizing that the comeback win is only an early step toward greater goals.
• Kitano: Continues developing from a novice owner into someone willing to seek professional advice and make strategic investments in breeding. He is proud of Tenma but maintains a practical outlook.
• Ogawa Joe: Acts as an experienced mentor. His advice reflects both professional knowledge and a complicated awareness of Japan’s relative position in the international breeding industry.
• Dazzling Action: Though absent from the race, she becomes important in the chapter’s future-oriented breeding discussion, suggesting that Kitano’s ambitions are expanding beyond racing into bloodline development.

Significant Themes

• Growth and transformation: Tenma’s composure contrasts sharply with his former behavior, emphasizing the results of training, experience, and recovery.
• Victory versus future potential: The race is a successful comeback, but the characters refuse to treat it as the ultimate achievement. Greater challenges await after winter.
• Trust and partnership: Tenma and Ochiai work in harmony, while Kitano relies on both human expertise and the mysterious [Advisory Team].
• Tradition versus modernization: The breeding discussion highlights Japan’s dependence on foreign bloodlines and the perceived superiority of American and European breeding practices.
• Long-term ambition: The chapter moves from celebrating one race to planning future breeding and competitive success.

Important Character Interactions

• Ochiai and Mejiro Tenma: Their mutual understanding is central to the race. Ochiai trusts Tenma’s instincts, while Tenma responds with a controlled and decisive performance.
• Kitano and Tenma: Kitano recognizes how far “Pegasus” has come, viewing him with affection and pride.
• Kitano and Ochiai: Both share the same restrained reaction to the victory, understanding that Tenma’s larger goals have not yet been achieved.
• Kitano and Ogawa Joe: Their izakaya conversation establishes Ogawa as an adviser and exposes Kitano’s inexperience with breeding. Ogawa’s recommendation of an American stallion points toward Kitano’s next major decision.

Chapter Summary: “Four Paths”

Key Plot Points and Events

• At a meal with Ogawa Joe, Ogawa Kanna, and later Mejiro Tenma’s trainer and jockey, Kitano considers how to breed Dazzling Move’s future foals.
• Joe admits that he has no clear breeding method and acknowledges that his earlier approach produced poor results. He advises conducting genetic tests to detect hereditary diseases before pairing horses.
• Kitano uses the system’s breeding function, which presents four strategies:
  1. Breeding high-value racehorses
  2. Complementary pairing to offset weaknesses
  3. Bloodline reinforcement
  4. Breeding “perfect racehorses” with extreme attributes
• Kitano rejects simple high-value breeding because he can compare stallion catalogs himself. He also decides that bloodline reinforcement is not suitable for the farm’s current situation.
• Complementary pairing appears practical and safe, especially for producing foals that could either improve the farm or be sold. However, Mejiro Farm already has buyers interested in Dazzling Move’s future offspring.
• After the team celebrates an unexpectedly successful season—despite losing the Dōei Memorial—Kitano asks everyone whether complementary breeding or breeding for “perfect racehorses” is better.
• The group unanimously favors breeding perfect racehorses. Joe explains that relying on complementary pairing within Japan’s existing bloodlines could trap smaller farms in a cycle of dependence on the Shadai and Northern Farm networks.
• Kitano consequently shifts toward keeping Mejiro Farm’s first-generation foals and selects the “perfect racehorse” option.
• Three advisors propose possible stallions:
  • Victory Within Reach: A late-kick specialist with explosive acceleration.
  • Flight Path: A potential dirt-track prodigy with the highest explosiveness rating.
  • Prolific Maestro: A versatile all-around prospect with balanced traits, though weaker turf and dirt inheritance.

Character Developments

• Kitano becomes more strategically involved in the farm’s long-term breeding program. Rather than focusing only on immediate sale value, he begins considering the creation of exceptional horses that could establish Mejiro Farm’s reputation.
• Ogawa Joe reveals the limitations of his past management philosophy and explains the structural disadvantages faced by smaller Japanese breeders. His advice reflects both experience and regret.
• Ogawa Kanna continues to serve as a thoughtful, practical presence, questioning Kitano about his breeding ideas and helping ground the discussion.
• The trainer and jockey show satisfaction and pride after the team exceeds expectations during the season, even without winning the final race.
• Nagamine, Kappoki, and Mika function as specialized advisors, each suggesting a different breeding direction based on a stallion’s strengths.

Significant Themes

• Ambition versus security: Kitano must choose between the safer, commercially sensible complementary approach and the riskier pursuit of extraordinary racehorses.
• Breaking out of established systems: Joe argues that small farms cannot defeat dominant bloodlines by imitating them, making innovation essential.
• Long-term reputation over immediate profit: The possibility of retaining foals suggests that Mejiro Farm is beginning to prioritize building a lasting identity rather than simply selling offspring.
• The tension between tradition and experimentation: Genetic testing and practical breeding methods contrast with the system’s unconventional “perfect racehorse” option.
• Structural inequality in horse breeding: The chapter highlights how major Japanese farms control elite stallion resources and make it difficult for smaller operations to compete.

Character Interactions

• Joe cautiously advises Kitano about genetic testing and warns him about the dangers of relying too heavily on dominant bloodlines.
• Kanna directly asks Kitano for his thoughts, prompting him to acknowledge that he has ideas but no finalized plan.
• The team celebrates together after the season, showing growing unity and shared pride in Mejiro Tenma’s progress.
• When Kitano asks the group to choose between complementary breeding and perfect-racehorse breeding, everyone responds decisively in favor of the more ambitious option.
• Joe’s explanation of Japan’s breeding industry reinforces Kitano’s developing decision, while the three advisors present contrasting stallion choices that leave the next stage of the breeding plan unresolved.

Chapter Summary: “Decision in the Izakaya”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitano, Ogawa Joe, and the others discuss breeding options for Dazzling Move based on recommendations from the Advisory Team.
• Flight Path is judged the best overall sire, while Victory Within Reach is a solid but less impressive alternative. Prolific Maestro is considered a high-risk, high-reward choice with an exceptionally high potential ceiling.
• Kitano submits an application to Lane’s End Farm for breeding rights to Flight Path, despite Ogawa Joe’s warning that approval would be difficult because of the farm’s strict mare-selection policy.
• The group also discusses future pairings for Flax, with Ogawa Joe enthusiastically considering the popular stallion Four-Wheel Drive.
• During the dinner, Tanaka explains various bloodline traits, and the group praises the trainability and appearance of offspring by Lord Kanaloa.
• Lane’s End quickly rejects Kitano’s application for the 2027 Flight Path–Dazzling Move pairing.
• Ogawa Joe suggests considering Coolmore’s stallions, including American Pharoah and Coastal Road, as alternatives.
• Kitano reconsiders the remaining recommended choices and focuses on Prolific Maestro, an overseas son of Deep Impact. Although this would be an unconventional and potentially controversial decision, Kitano concludes that it best suits his long-term breeding strategy.
• The gathering ends with Kitano deciding, “Let’s give it a try,” and Coolmore receives an unusual inquiry from him later that day in Ireland.
• The chapter closes with racing news about Goliath Giant’s planned Dubai World Cup appearance and Everlasting Youth potentially accepting a Middle Eastern invitation.

Character Developments

• Kitano demonstrates careful, strategic thinking. Rather than simply choosing the most popular or readily available sire, he weighs bloodlines, long-term breeding goals, and the risks of overusing the SS Lineage.
• After Flight Path is rejected, Kitano remains composed and quickly shifts toward a more innovative possibility instead of abandoning his preferred breeding direction.
• Ogawa Joe is shown as knowledgeable and enthusiastic about breeding, though he becomes overly excitable when imagining future pairings. He seems to understand why Kitano might choose Prolific Maestro before Kitano fully explains himself.
• Ogawa Kanna remains practical and skeptical of her father’s impulsiveness, silently criticizing his enthusiasm and later stopping him from giving Kitano potentially misguided advice.
• Tanaka contributes useful professional knowledge about bloodlines and offspring traits, helping the others better evaluate breeding options.
• Ochiai adds a lighter tone with his observations about Lord Kanaloa’s offspring.

Significant Themes

• Risk versus certainty: Flight Path is the safest and most attractive option, while Prolific Maestro offers greater uncertainty but possibly much greater rewards.
• Innovation in breeding: Kitano considers an unconventional overseas son of Deep Impact, challenging established breeding habits and expectations in Japan.
• Long-term strategy over immediate popularity: The discussion emphasizes that choosing a sire is not only about current success or market demand but also about preserving genetic diversity and building a sustainable breeding program.
• Persistence after rejection: Lane’s End’s refusal does not end Kitano’s plans; instead, it forces him to refine his decision and pursue another route.
• Tradition versus bold experimentation: The group’s surprise at the idea of using Prolific Maestro reflects how unusual the proposal is, while Kitano’s willingness to proceed shows his readiness to depart from conventional choices.

Character Interactions

• Kitano consults Ogawa Joe about Flight Path, and Joe gives a realistic warning about the difficulty of obtaining breeding rights.
• Ogawa Kanna helps Kitano complete the Lane’s End application while her father fantasizes about pairing Flax with Four-Wheel Drive.
• Tanaka educates Kitano and Ogawa Joe about bloodline tendencies, prompting admiration for Lord Kanaloa’s offspring.
• When Kitano reveals that the Flight Path application failed, Ogawa Joe encourages him to consider Coolmore’s stallions and offers emotional support.
• Kitano’s mention of Prolific Maestro causes Ogawa Kanna to cough in surprise, while Ogawa Joe appears to recognize the logic behind the choice. Kanna then warns her father not to interfere with random advice.
• The chapter concludes with Kitano acting on his decision by contacting Coolmore, marking the beginning of a potentially groundbreaking breeding arrangement.

Chapter Summary: “Mejiro Farm in Winter”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitano begins an intensely cold winter morning at Mejiro Farm, waking before sunrise to heavy snowfall and preparing for the day’s work.
• Farm employees gather in the break room, where they discuss the worsening snow and the need for road and fence clearing.
• Ravide salts the roads, Rachel Ho clears snow from the fences, and Kitano observes the horses coping with the storm.
• Kitano brings Dazzling Move to the ranch entrance and photographs her against the snowy landscape. He admires her beauty but notices that her fierce expression makes her appear intimidating, even to Mejiro Tenma.
• A transport truck arrives to take Dazzling Move to Hidaka Advanced Livestock Medical Center, located six kilometers away.
• The mare is being prepared for shipment to Coolmore, where she will be bred to Prolific Maestro and remain until she gives birth.
• Kitano previously negotiated a full breeding and post-service boarding agreement with Coolmore for €35,000, not including substantial transport expenses.
• He chose Coolmore because of its superior reproductive and neonatal facilities, including specialized foaling stalls, intensive care, a colostrum bank, and access to Fethard Equine Hospital.
• Before departure, Dazzling Move must undergo strict quarantine procedures, receive multiple vaccinations, and complete a comprehensive pre-pregnancy examination.
• Genetic samples from Prolific Maestro and Dazzling Move have also been sent to a Kentucky laboratory for disease screening and genetic analysis.
• Kitano reflects that what should be a “rest season” has instead become a complicated and expensive period of preparation.

Character Developments

• Kitano is shown as disciplined and responsible, overcoming his reluctance to leave his warm bed and calmly managing the farm despite the harsh weather. His veterinary background makes him cautious about breeding risks, especially for young mares.
• He demonstrates long-term thinking by prioritizing Dazzling Move’s safety and choosing Coolmore’s expensive facilities rather than taking unnecessary risks at Mejiro Farm.
• Dazzling Move is portrayed as striking and powerful, with a beautiful black coat and an unusually fierce gaze. Her resistance to her blanket and intimidating presence reinforce her strong-willed character.
• Rachel Ho remains energetic and hardworking despite the cold, while Ravide quietly handles practical snow-clearing duties.
• Mejiro Tenma, usually confident as herd leader, appears wary of Dazzling Move, suggesting that she commands unusual respect or intimidation among the horses.
• The masked transport staff are presented as experienced and efficient in handling the mare.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility versus expense: Kitano accepts considerable financial costs to ensure Dazzling Move receives the safest possible breeding and foaling care.
• The risks of Thoroughbred reproduction: The chapter emphasizes that pregnancy and foaling can be life-threatening, particularly for young mares whose bodies are not fully mature.
• Professionalism and preparation: Vaccinations, quarantine, medical examinations, genetic testing, and transport arrangements demonstrate the extensive planning involved in responsible breeding.
• Human control against natural hardship: The farm operates methodically despite the overwhelming winter storm, reflecting the tension between agricultural work and uncontrollable natural conditions.
• Long-term investment: Kitano’s conservative breeding philosophy prioritizes the mare’s health and future over immediate profit or convenience.

Character Interactions

• Farm workers support one another through the difficult weather, with Rachel and Ravide handling snow removal while Kitano coordinates the horses.
• Kitano interacts affectionately but critically with Dazzling Move, admiring her appearance while restraining her from biting at her blanket.
• Dazzling Move’s presence affects the herd, particularly Mejiro Tenma, who appears reluctant to challenge her.
• Kitano’s past negotiations with He Luoxuan reveal some tension: Coolmore initially suggested cheaper or more conventional breeding options, but Kitano insisted on his preferred arrangement.
• During the drive, the masked driver notices Kitano’s sigh and assumes he may be carsick, creating a brief, understated exchange that highlights Kitano’s anxious thoughts about the complicated breeding process.

Chapter Summary: “A Breeder’s Conversation”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitano travels from Hokkaido to Nakayama Racecourse for a breeders’ discussion held before the Arima Memorial.
• Though he is still a relatively new breeder, he has been invited to participate alongside Teruya Yoshida, the representative of the powerful Shadai Farm.
• After walking from the station to the racecourse, Kitano observes the grounds, including the statue of the famous racehorse Heiseke.
• During the public discussion, reporters ask about the upcoming Arima Memorial, Mejiro Sakuya’s possible future participation, veterinary medicine, farm construction, and Kitano’s new broodmare, Dazzling Move.
• Kitano explains that he hopes to breed Dazzling Move with Prolific Maestro, praising the stallion’s talent, physique, intelligence, and personality while joking about his high-risk, unpredictable racing style and recently affordable stud fee.
• Yoshida initially participates warmly and humorously, but his expression changes when Kitano mentions Dazzling Move—likely because Yoshida had previously acquired Ways And Means, indirectly creating the opportunity for Kitano to purchase her.
• The chapter ends with announcements that jockey Wada Ryuji will retire after the Tokyo Daisho on December 29, followed by information about his upcoming retirement ceremony.

Character Development

• Kitano: He reflects on how demanding breeding has become compared with simply owning horses, yet feels satisfied because he is pursuing work he genuinely wants and believes he should do. He also demonstrates growing confidence and composure in public, skillfully balancing professional answers with humor.
• Teruya Yoshida: Yoshida appears experienced, charismatic, and socially adept, using jokes to control the atmosphere and maintain a friendly public image. However, his subdued reaction to Kitano’s comments about Dazzling Move hints at concealed frustration, rivalry, or regret.
• Wada Ryuji: Though he does not appear directly, his retirement announcement presents him as a respected jockey whose career has involved significant struggle and perseverance.

Significant Themes

• The burdens and rewards of ambition: Kitano recognizes that breeding demands more physical and mental effort, but finds fulfillment in pursuing his own plans.
• Public performance versus private feelings: The breeders’ discussion is described as largely ceremonial, with both men using polite language and humor despite possible competition and underlying tension.
• The importance of bloodlines and legacy: Kitano’s hopes for Dazzling Move and Prolific Maestro center on passing desirable physical and mental qualities to future generations.
• Competition and opportunity: Kitano’s acquisition of Dazzling Move is connected to Yoshida’s earlier purchase, showing how rivalry and chance shape the breeding industry.
• Endings and transitions: Wada’s retirement introduces the theme of moving from one career stage to another, paralleling Kitano’s own development from owner to breeder.

Character Interactions

• Kitano and Yoshida exchange formal greetings and a handshake before cooperating smoothly during the discussion.
• Their interaction is outwardly cordial, but their contrasting interests create an undercurrent of rivalry. Kitano’s jokes and praise are carefully phrased, while Yoshida’s fading smile suggests that certain topics are personally significant.
• Kitano engages with reporters professionally, answering questions about Mejiro Sakuya and Dazzling Move without revealing his full private plans.
• The reporters and participants rely on humor and polite banter to maintain the event’s light, socially acceptable atmosphere despite the competitive nature of the racing world.

Chapter Summary: “Victory on the White Sand”

Key Plot Points and Events

• On December 29, 2026, a record crowd of 62,000 gathers at Oi Racecourse for the 72nd Tokyo Daisho, an international Grade One dirt race.
• Kitano makes his way through the packed venue to the parade ring, where he sees Mejiro Sakuya receiving overwhelming support from the crowd.
• Sakuya has fully recovered from the Kentucky Derby and the surgery that followed. Her final timed workout has impressed her camp, and she enters the race as the overwhelming favorite.
• Her popularity carries additional pressure: she is expected to fulfill South Kanto’s long-standing desire to reclaim the Tokyo Daisho for local racing after twenty years.
• Jockey Wada clears his mind of all distractions as he mounts Sakuya, treating the race as a private battle between horse and rider.
• Television analysts discuss the race’s tactics. Most expect Sakuya to begin from the rear and rely on her finishing speed, while warning that the other runners may attempt to block her path.
• Trainer Arayama watches Sakuya with deep emotion. The race reminds him of his late father, Arayama Tokuichi, who once won the Tokyo Daisho with Arayama as jockey.
• Arayama asks Kitano for permission to bring his father’s memorial portrait to the race. Kitano supports him and encourages the team to work even harder for victory.
• The weather clears just before the start, and the enormous crowd creates an overwhelming atmosphere as the horses enter the gates.
• Commentators debate whether Mr. Caesar will lead, whether Yokoyama and Pizhi Balu will disrupt the pace, and whether Sakuya’s expected rearward position could become a disadvantage.
• The gates open—and the chapter ends with commentator Aoshima declaring in shock that “the race is already over,” creating a dramatic cliffhanger about the opening break.

Character Developments

• Mejiro Sakuya: Returns from serious injury and surgery in peak condition. Her recovery and impressive workout restore confidence in her ability, though her status as favorite places immense expectations on her.
• Wada: Shows increased focus and maturity. He deliberately shuts out the crowd, pressure, and tactical speculation once he mounts Sakuya, mentally entering the race as a self-contained battle.
• Arayama: Reveals a deeply personal motivation for winning. His father’s former victory in the same race has remained an unspoken ambition, and Sakuya’s presence brings old memories and grief to the surface.
• Kitano: Acts as a steady source of emotional support for Arayama, accepting the memorial portrait and reinforcing the team’s determination.
• Aoshima: Provides energetic commentary, reflecting both the scale of the event and the growing tension surrounding Sakuya’s return.

Significant Themes

• Legacy and remembrance: Arayama’s connection to his late father links the present race to the past, making victory a matter of family honor as well as sporting success.
• Recovery and resilience: Sakuya’s return after injury symbolizes perseverance and the restoration of public faith.
• Pressure of expectation: Her popularity, favoritism, and role in South Kanto’s hopes place a heavy burden on both Sakuya and Wada.
• Horse and rider unity: Once Wada mounts Sakuya, the distractions of the outside world disappear, emphasizing their partnership and shared concentration.
• Fate and dramatic anticipation: The overlapping memories, clearing weather, roaring crowd, and ominous final call build the sense that the race will be decisive and possibly unexpected.

Important Character Interactions

• Wada and Mejiro Sakuya: Their brief exchange of glances and nod before the race communicates trust, familiarity, and mutual readiness.
• Arayama and Kitano: Arayama confides his wish to bring his father’s memorial portrait; Kitano responds sympathetically and promises renewed effort.
• Arayama and his father’s memory: Sakuya’s appearance triggers a powerful connection between the present race and Arayama’s childhood and racing history.
• The television analysts and guests: Hosoe, Kurata, Fukunaga, and Sasaki debate possible tactics, particularly how to neutralize Sakuya’s late charge.
• The spectators and the racers: The crowd’s enormous cheers create both the celebratory atmosphere and the psychological pressure surrounding the race’s opening moments.

Chapter Summary: “Winds of Change”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Mejiro Sakuya returns from a long layoff to run the final race of her career: the 72nd Tokyo Daisho at Oi Racecourse.
• Jockey Wada Ryuji immediately recognizes that Sakuya has made an unusually strong start. Following his increasingly aggressive riding style, he moves her into second place instead of saving her for a late charge.
• Sakuya quickly settles behind the favorite, Mr. Caesar, ridden by young jockey Ryusei Sakai. Their positioning shocks both the spectators and the race officials, who had not expected such an aggressive opening.
• Sakai makes an early move to prevent Sakuya from taking the lead, creating a dramatic head-to-head battle through the turn and into the backstretch.
• The race evokes memories of legendary past rivalries, and the crowd becomes convinced that the Tokyo Daisho will be decided in a duel between the two champions.
• In the straight, however, Sakuya reveals her true strength. Wada urges her forward, and she decisively pulls away from Mr. Caesar, turning the anticipated duel into a dominant solo victory.
• Sakuya wins the Tokyo Daisho, with Mr. Caesar finishing second and Pizhi Balu third. Her victory marks the return of the race to the local circuit after twenty years and makes her the first locally affiliated horse since 2005 to win the event.
• Wada celebrates by raising his fist and affectionately patting Sakuya’s neck. Trainer Arayama, overwhelmed by the result, can only express his happiness by saying, “That’s wonderful.”
• The victory deeply moves spectators, racing personnel, and jockeys across the racing world. The chapter closes with news of the result and an announcement that Kentucky Oaks winner Joyful Time will race in the Dubai World Cup.

2. Character Developments

• Wada Ryuji: Demonstrates a major evolution in his riding style. He has become more aggressive and confident, particularly on dirt, and applies that approach boldly in Sakuya’s final race. His calm control contrasts with Sakai’s desperate urgency.
• Mejiro Sakuya: Overcomes the uncertainty of returning from a long absence and proves that she remains exceptionally powerful. Rather than relying on a conventional late sprint, she wins through sustained pressure and overwhelming physical ability. Her victory serves as a triumphant conclusion to her career.
• Ryusei Sakai: Shows fierce determination and professional pride. Believing in Mr. Caesar, he attacks early and refuses to surrender even after Sakuya opens a widening gap, though his efforts ultimately cannot match her strength.
• Trainer Arayama: Experiences the fulfillment of a long-held ambition. His emotional restraint breaks through in a quiet but meaningful expression of joy after Sakuya’s victory.

3. Significant Themes

• Change and renewal: The title reflects Wada’s transformed tactics, Sakuya’s return, and the restoration of the Tokyo Daisho to local racing.
• Legacy and closure: Sakuya’s final race answers years of hopes and expectations, giving her career a powerful and emotionally satisfying ending.
• Faith and trust: Wada’s confidence in Sakuya and Sakai’s belief in Mr. Caesar drive the race. Both jockeys commit fully to the horses they trust.
• Tradition versus innovation: The race initially suggests a conventional tactical contest, but Wada’s aggressive strategy overturns expectations and represents a new approach to competition.
• Generational transition: Sakuya’s victory over the younger Classic champion Mr. Caesar symbolizes the passing and reshaping of racing eras.
• Collective emotion: The spectators’ excitement, Arayama’s relief, and the reactions of distant jockeys show how a major race can unite the entire racing community.

4. Character Interactions

• Wada and Sakuya: Their partnership is based on deep mutual trust. Wada reads her breathing and stride, recognizes when she has reached her true form, and guides her to victory.
• Wada and Sakai: Their contrasting approaches create the race’s central tension: Wada remains composed and confident, while Sakai responds with urgency and determination.
• Sakuya and Mr. Caesar: Their battle is framed as a clash between two generations and two champions, but Sakuya ultimately dominates rather than merely edging out her rival.
• Wada and Arayama: Their shared victory reflects years of cooperation. Arayama’s simple praise carries the weight of their long pursuit of the Daisho.
• The racers and the crowd: The spectators’ expectations and emotional investment amplify the significance of the duel, while the outcome gives long-standing hopes a sense of completion.

Chapter Summary: “Year-End Turmoil”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mejiro Sakuya wins the year’s final domestic G1, apparently the Tokyo Daisho, with jockey Wada Ryuji using a new front-running strategy rather than his usual come-from-behind approach.
• Wada is warmly celebrated by the crowd, trainer Arayama, and stablehand Ogawa Masaru. Arayama, overwhelmed by the victory, finally breaks down in tears.
• President Kitano thanks the spectators and announces that Mejiro Trading will distribute free merchandise. He personally signs a large number of autograph boards while continuing to acknowledge the fans.
• During the post-race interview, Wada explains that he chose to maintain his position after getting a good start, joking that his old strategy would only have left him “with another mouthful of sand.”
• The race serves as Wada’s final G1 ride. He announces that he will now pursue his goal of becoming a first-class trainer, formally ending his jockey career.
• Wada’s fellow jockeys celebrate him by spraying him with champagne. Later, he and Arayama return to the track for a commemorative ceremony with Sakuya.
• The victory carries deep historical significance: Arayama raises a portrait of his late father, Arayama Tokuichi, while honoring the legacy of the retired champion White Silver. A miracle spanning generations has finally been achieved.
• During the awards ceremony, numerous jockeys—including members of the Yokoyama family, Sakai, Lian Dawen, and Sasagawa—line up to congratulate Wada. Yutaka Take humorously asks Wada to pass his future good horses to him once Wada becomes a trainer.
• Director Saito privately asks Kitano to discuss “the future of regional horse racing,” suggesting that major changes or opportunities may soon affect Kitano and Mejiro Trading.
• News reports announce that Everlasting Youth will target the Dubai World Cup and Mr. Caesar will target the Saudi Cup, both likely to be ridden by Ryusei Sakai.

Character Developments

• Wada Ryuji: Achieves a triumphant final G1 victory and retires from riding at the peak of an emotionally significant moment. His decision to pursue training marks a transition from competitor to mentor and leader.
• Arayama: Experiences emotional closure and vindication through Sakuya’s victory, especially because it fulfills a dream connected to his late father and White Silver.
• Mejiro Sakuya: Proves herself capable of returning to the track and winning at the highest domestic level. She appears calm and content throughout the celebrations, strengthening her image as a remarkable and resilient champion.
• Kitano: Continues to show humility and gratitude toward fans, while the conversation with Director Saito hints that he may soon face important decisions concerning regional racing.
• Yutaka Take and the other jockeys: Their congratulations demonstrate respect for Wada and reinforce his standing within the racing community.

Significant Themes

• Legacy across generations: Sakuya’s victory connects Arayama’s present achievements to his father’s memory and White Silver’s distant past.
• Endings and new beginnings: Wada’s retirement is not portrayed solely as a loss; it becomes the beginning of his career as a trainer.
• Perseverance and redemption: Sakuya’s return and G1 win represent the payoff for overcoming past setbacks.
• Community and mutual respect: Fans, trainers, stable staff, executives, and rival jockeys all participate in celebrating the victory.
• Uncertainty about the future: The discussion of regional horse racing and the international campaigns of Everlasting Youth and Mr. Caesar set up new challenges beyond the chapter’s celebration.

Character Interactions

• Wada embraces Arayama and Ogawa after dismounting, sharing the victory with the people who supported Sakuya.
• Kitano repeatedly thanks the fans and personally signs merchandise, emphasizing his connection with the racing public.
• Wada jokes openly with reporters about his strategy and receives champagne from Yokoyama and Sasagawa.
• Arayama and Wada share another emotional embrace before the commemorative ceremony.
• Yutaka Take’s playful request to receive Wada’s future horses lightens the otherwise solemn retirement celebration.
• Kitano’s conversation with Director Saito introduces a more serious political and organizational thread concerning the future of regional horse racing.

Chapter Summary: “Oi at Dusk”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Jockey Wada is honored at Oi Racecourse following the conclusion of his thirty-year riding career.
• Fumio Matoba arrives in a ceremonial carriage to escort Wada to the parade ring, where a large crowd applauds and cheers him.
• During the retirement ceremony, Wada reflects on his career. He admits that failing to win the Kikuka Sho remains his greatest regret, but emphasizes that defeats and setbacks are never wasted.
• Officials from the NAR and JRA present him with commemorative racing silks, followed by bouquets from owners, former colleagues, and fellow jockeys.
• Masatsugu Takezono attends despite poor health, while Kitano also appears to thank Wada for his service.
• Wada becomes emotional when Ichizo Iwamoto, his retired former trainer and mentor, presents him with flowers. Iwamoto praises him but jokingly warns him not to fail his upcoming exam again.
• Fellow jockeys, including Yutaka Take, Sakai, and Yokoyama Takeshi, honor Wada. Fukunaga and Hosoe then surprise him by grabbing his wrists, allowing the jockeys to toss him into the air in celebration.
• Elsewhere, Director Saito discusses next year’s Japan leg of the World Jockey Series with Kitano. Kitano agrees that NAR’s involvement could be beneficial, even if its eventual impact is uncertain.
• Saito privately reveals the recipients of the NAR Grand Prix 2026 awards. Mejiro Sakuya dominates the honors, winning awards including Horse of the Year and the Special Dirt Graded Race Award. The Kentucky Expedition Team receives a Special Award, and Trainer Arayama is named Distinguished Trainer.
• Kitano leaves Oi Racecourse at dusk and heads to the celebration banquet, reflecting that worthwhile results often require taking the first step.
• The chapter closes with notices about Secret Fire’s retirement after finishing sixth in the Tokyo Daisho and Thorpedo Anna’s planned 2027 Dubai World Cup campaign. This marks the end of Volume One.

2. Character Developments

• Wada moves from awkwardness and embarrassment at the ceremony to openly expressing regret, gratitude, and emotion. His words show maturity and a willingness to view his career as a collection of lessons rather than only victories.
• Ichizo Iwamoto is shown as both affectionate and demanding. He comforts Wada like a proud mentor but maintains his strict expectations by warning him to pass his exam.
• Kitano demonstrates practical leadership and cautious optimism. Although he doubts whether hosting the WJS will produce major results, he supports trying the idea rather than rejecting it outright.
• Masatsugu Takezono reveals his deep respect for Wada by traveling from Kagoshima despite his health problems.
• Fukunaga, Hosoe, and the jockeys reinforce the camaraderie surrounding Wada, turning the formal retirement ceremony into a joyful and personal farewell.

3. Significant Themes

• The meaning of failure: Wada’s reflections establish that lost races and regrets can still contribute to personal growth.
• Endings and transitions: The retirement ceremony represents the close of one career while hinting at Wada’s next stage through the upcoming exam.
• Respect and legacy: The many tributes show how Wada’s thirty years of work affected owners, trainers, officials, broadcasters, and fellow jockeys.
• Tradition versus future possibility: The World Jockey Series discussion reflects the racing industry’s effort to expand and experiment while acknowledging uncertainty.
• Time and impermanence: The changing lights, fading winter sun, and arrival of dusk mirror Wada’s retirement and the close of an era.

4. Character Interactions

• Wada and Matoba: Matoba playfully escorts Wada in the carriage and helps ease the formality of the ceremony.
• Wada and Takezono/Kitano: Both owners offer bouquets and mutual bows, expressing gratitude for their long professional relationship.
• Wada and Iwamoto: Their emotional exchange highlights the lasting bond between mentor and apprentice, combining tenderness with familiar discipline.
• Wada and Yutaka Take: Their sincere exchange reflects mutual respect among leading figures in Japanese racing.
• Wada and the jockeys: The group’s surprise airborne celebration demonstrates their affection and sense of fellowship.
• Saito and Kitano: Their meeting balances business discussion with cautious optimism about the future of international jockey competition.

Chapter Summary: “Barbecue Daisho”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter opens at a yakiniku restaurant, where Kitano joins Wada, Arayama, and Ogawa Masaru for a celebration after Mejiro Sakuya’s victory in the Tokyo Daisho.
• Wada takes charge of grilling the barbecue and explains the proper cooking order for vegetables, meat, and corn, creating a relaxed and humorous atmosphere.
• Over drinks and food, the group reviews Sakuya’s race. They praise her improved break from the starting gate, smooth performance, and impressive pace control.
• Wada’s retirement becomes a central topic. Everyone regrets that he will not be able to ride Sakuya in the following year, and Kitano acknowledges the difficulty of selecting a new regular jockey.
• Kitano explains that she is prioritizing compatibility between jockey and horse over reputation or recent win statistics. She also considers the demands of overseas competition and Sakuya’s potentially changing running style.
• The group discusses Sakuya’s next international target: the Saudi Cup or the Dubai World Cup. Previously, the Saudi Cup seemed preferable, but Sakuya’s improved start makes Meydan and the Dubai World Cup a more viable option.
• Kitano rejects the idea of running both races because the recovery period would be too short. She concludes that the decision will depend on further evaluation and possibly advice from the game-like [Advisory Team], once she can replenish enough Amulets.
• The chapter ends with a future ranking listing Mejiro Sakuya sixth in the 2026 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, with a rating of 124.

2. Character Developments

• Sachi Kitano: Becomes more confident and thoughtful as an owner and breeder. She evaluates Sakuya’s future based on suitability rather than avoiding strong competition, while remaining cautious about making rushed decisions. Her growing responsibilities are emphasized by her busy schedule and lack of Amulets for strategic guidance.
• Mejiro Sakuya: Shows meaningful development through her improved gate break and smooth race execution. These improvements alter the team’s plans for her international campaign and suggest that she may be ready for tougher, more prestigious races.
• Wada: Demonstrates expertise and care as both jockey and the informal “barbecue commissioner.” His impending retirement gives his praise of Sakuya a bittersweet quality, while his willingness to help choose his successor shows his continued commitment to the stable.
• Arayama: Remains a practical and supportive trainer. His heavy influx of calls from jockey candidates highlights his importance in managing Sakuya’s future.
• Ogawa Masaru: Acts as an enthusiastic observer and asks direct questions about Sakuya’s next race, while also showing concern about the strength of international competition.

3. Significant Themes

• Transition and succession: Wada’s retirement forces the stable to confront the challenge of replacing a trusted jockey.
• Horse-and-jockey compatibility: The chapter stresses that success depends on the relationship between horse and rider, not simply rankings, fame, or winning records.
• Growth changing strategy: Sakuya’s improved starting ability changes the team’s assessment of suitable racecourses and international targets.
• Ambition versus prudence: Kitano is willing to challenge powerful rivals in the Dubai World Cup but avoids overextending Sakuya by entering both major races.
• Trusting natural suitability: Kitano’s philosophy is that suitable horses should run suitable races, reflecting her broader approach to ownership and breeding.
• Everyday camaraderie: The barbecue celebration contrasts the pressure of elite racing with an intimate, ordinary social gathering that strengthens the team’s bonds.

4. Character Interactions

• Wada and Arayama enthusiastically analyze Sakuya’s performance while Kitano listens and joins the discussion.
• Wada apologizes for retiring, but Kitano reassures him that his departure is not a burden or betrayal.
• Wada indirectly probes Kitano about potential jockey choices, prompting her to explain her careful selection criteria.
• Arayama reveals that prospective jockeys have been contacting him constantly, emphasizing the stable’s growing attention.
• Ogawa asks about Sakuya’s future and voices concern over the difficult Dubai World Cup field, encouraging Kitano to explain her international strategy.
• The shared meal, drinks, teasing, and mutual praise create a warm sense of unity among the stable members before the more serious decisions ahead.

Chapter Summary: “Eclipse Awards”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The expedition team attends the 56th Eclipse Awards at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, following Mejiro Sakuya’s Kentucky Derby victory.
• Arayama and Wada are visibly nervous. Wada is also preparing for his trainer’s license exam for the third time.
• The team is certain to win the fan-voted NTRA Moment of the Year award, which honors Mejiro Sakuya’s historic Kentucky Derby victory, but they are uncertain about the more prestigious American Champion Three-Year-Old Filly award.
• Joyful Time, the undefeated Kentucky Oaks winner, is considered Mejiro Sakuya’s strongest competitor for the championship.
• The ceremony begins with humorous hosts, relaxed banter, champagne, and reminders that acceptance speeches must remain under one minute.
• A video recounts Mejiro Sakuya’s journey:
  • She was born lame at New Life Ranch in Hokkaido in 2023.
  • She was sold for only $8,000 to a veterinarian after failing to appear at auction.
  • Kitano eventually purchased her after recognizing her potential.
  • She became popular in Japan, particularly after her victory at Oi Racecourse.
  • She then won the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs during a torrential downpour.
• Mejiro Sakuya is officially named the winner of the NTRA Moment of the Year award.
• Kitano accepts the crystal trophy and receives a system reward of three Golden Omamori for earning an Eclipse Award for one of his racehorses.

Character Developments

• Kitano remains outwardly calm and tries to reassure the anxious Arayama and Wada, though the ceremony clearly carries emotional significance for him as well.
• Kitano’s speech reveals increased confidence and humility. He reflects on how the Kentucky Derby once seemed impossible and recognizes that he and his team were capable of greatness themselves.
• Arayama appears overwhelmed by the importance of the event and disappointed by the possibility that the team might win only the fan award.
• Wada is extremely tense, suggesting the pressure of both the awards ceremony and his upcoming licensing exam.
• Mejiro Sakuya is presented as an exceptional underdog: despite her early lameness, low sale price, and lack of auction recognition, she becomes an international racing sensation.
• Kitano’s role in Sakuya’s success is publicly celebrated, emphasizing his intuition and faith in her abilities.

Significant Themes

• Underdog triumph: Mejiro Sakuya rises from an overlooked, physically troubled foal to a Kentucky Derby winner and award recipient.
• Faith and intuition: Kitano’s decision to believe in Sakuya despite her disadvantages is portrayed as crucial to her success.
• Recognition and perseverance: The award validates the team’s determination and Sakuya’s long journey.
• Self-belief: Kitano’s speech emphasizes that people often admire others’ brilliance while failing to recognize their own potential.
• Human-horse bonds: The ceremony highlights the emotional connection between racing professionals and their horses, portraying Sakuya’s achievement as a shared miracle.
• Japanese achievement abroad: Sakuya’s victory and international popularity symbolize Japanese talent making an impact on the American racing world.

Character Interactions

• Kitano attempts to comfort Arayama and Wada by emphasizing the value of attending the banquet, though neither is fully reassured.
• The hosts create a playful, informal atmosphere by joking with guests and teasing a trainer for wearing shorts.
• Kitano jokes with Arayama about the ceremony’s dress code, showing his typically restrained humor.
• The award presentation publicly links Kitano’s faith in Mejiro Sakuya to her success, and he accepts the trophy on behalf of their team.
• The ceremony brings the expedition members together as they anxiously share the anticipation of whether Mejiro Sakuya will receive the championship award as well.

Chapter Summary: “Decision”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kitano uses a Golden Omamori to obtain two hundred Green Omamori, then spends them on the [Advisory Team] item to evaluate Mejiro Sakuya’s potential races.
• The advisors assess Sakuya’s chances in the

Dubai World Cup

• Nagamine praises her size, stamina, and explosive speed but warns that her mental instability could be dangerous.
• Kappoki notes her excellent muscular development and speed, while cautioning against overtraining and excessive weight.
• Mika considers her to be in peak condition and recommends using a front-running strategy at Meydan, emphasizing the importance of choosing a compatible jockey.
• Kitano recognizes that Sakuya’s training must shift toward maintaining stamina and condition rather than building more muscle. He approves of Arayama’s increasingly mature approach to her preparation.
• Kitano uses another Advisory Team item to examine the Saudi Cup. The advisors conclude that Sakuya’s difficulty on turf-influenced tracks could make the Saudi Cup as challenging as, or even harder than, the Dubai World Cup.
• During the awards ceremony, Mejiro Sakuya wins the 2026 American Champion Three-Year-Old Filly award after victories at Churchill Downs and Oi.
• Kitano gives an acceptance speech praising the unity of Sakuya’s camp and its shared pursuit of victory.
• After returning to the hotel, Kitano instructs Arayama to invite Lian Dawen, Jin Meiqi, and Su Minglun, in that order, as possible jockeys.
• News later confirms that Sakuya will target the 2027 Dubai World Cup, with the jockey still undecided and a substantial additional prize offered by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Character Developments

• Kitano becomes more deliberate and analytical in making Sakuya’s racing decisions. Rather than focusing only on the advisors’ praise, he pays particular attention to warnings about mental instability, weight, overtraining, and track suitability.
• He gradually decides that the Dubai World Cup is worth attempting and forms a tentative jockey preference based on the balance between ability and horse-rider compatibility.
• Mejiro Sakuya is portrayed as a mature, powerful, high-level dirt horse with exceptional stamina, speed, and physical condition. However, her mental instability and difficulty on turf-leaning tracks remain important weaknesses.
• Arayama demonstrates strong judgment by adjusting Sakuya’s training toward maintenance and stamina recovery instead of continued intensive conditioning.
• Zepp and the others remain supportive members of the camp, while the Ogawa siblings admire the award and Wada continues exploring issues related to trainers and racing preparation.
• Aidan O’Brien appears visibly frustrated by Sakuya’s victory, hinting at international rivalry and the significance of her growing reputation.

Significant Themes

• Ambition versus risk: The Dubai World Cup represents a chance to prove Sakuya against the world’s best, but her mental condition, physical balance, and track limitations could all threaten success.
• The importance of preparation: Victory depends not only on talent but also on training load, weight control, condition management, and strategic planning.
• Horse-jockey compatibility: The chapter emphasizes that the right jockey must match the horse’s temperament and racing style, not merely possess high ability.
• Team unity: Kitano’s speech highlights how collective effort and cooperation within the camp contribute to success.
• Measured decision-making: Kitano’s choice is not driven by excitement alone; he weighs both favorable and unfavorable assessments before committing to the next challenge.
• International recognition: Sakuya’s award and potential Dubai appearance mark her transition from a successful Japanese racehorse into a major global contender.

Important Character Interactions

• Kitano consults the Advisory Team’s assessments and discusses Sakuya’s future with Arayama.
• The Ogawa siblings examine the Moment of the Year trophy while Wada speaks with Arayama about training matters.
• Kitano and the camp celebrate together after Sakuya wins the American Champion Three-Year-Old Filly award.
• Kitano publicly credits the unity of the entire team, reinforcing the cooperative relationship among the owner, trainer, staff, and horse.
• Kitano privately instructs Arayama to contact three foreign jockeys, showing that he has reached a preliminary decision despite the public announcement that the jockey remains undecided.
• Aidan O’Brien’s reaction establishes an undercurrent of competitive tension surrounding Sakuya’s rise.

Chapter Summary: “The End of the First Lunar Month”

Key Plot Points and Events

• In the middle of a bitter Chiba winter, the stable introduces Mejiro Sakuya’s new jockey, Jin Meiqi, a thirty-five-year-old British rider with Grade 1 experience.
• Jin was not the stable’s first choice. Their preferred jockey, Lian Dawen, declined the offer for reasons unrelated to racing, so trainer Arayama and owner Kitano approached Jin instead.
• Jin accepts the demanding assignment of preparing Mejiro Sakuya to win the Dubai World Cup.
• The stable plans to leave for Dubai on February 25—much earlier than usual—to give the mare ample time to acclimate and reach peak condition. Before departure, she will undergo quarantine at Oi Racecourse.
• At Kobayashi Farm, Jin meets Mejiro Sakuya and rides her briefly for the first time. She is immediately impressed by the mare’s power, balance, and unusual feel.
• Jin confidently tells reporters that Mejiro Sakuya is extraordinary and will win the Dubai World Cup.
• After the ride, Mejiro Sakuya attempts to eat roadside grass, reinforcing her innocent, childlike personality. Her groom, Ogawa, stops her, amusing everyone present.
• The chapter closes with the formal announcement of Mejiro Sakuya’s Dubai World Cup campaign and Jin Meiqi as her scheduled jockey.

Character Developments

• Jin Meiqi: Initially uneasy about the responsibility of riding a major contender overseas, she quickly gains confidence after experiencing Mejiro Sakuya’s abilities firsthand. Her public declaration of victory shows that she is willing to embrace the stable’s ambitious goal.
• Mejiro Sakuya: Physically more mature and heavily muscled than before, she appears powerful, well-balanced, and capable of producing strength through her hindquarters. Despite her improved physique, her personality remains gentle, sleepy, and mischievous.
• Kitano: Shows affection toward Mejiro Sakuya by trying to give her candy, though he is reminded to prioritize her weight control. He remains deeply invested in optimizing her condition for the Dubai race.
• Arayama: Takes responsibility for explaining the stable’s plans and carefully observes the mare’s physical development. His excitement confirms that he sees significant improvement in her starting posture and strength.
• Ogawa Masaru: Serves as translator during the meeting and continues his familiar caretaker role, managing Mejiro Sakuya’s small misbehavior like a patient nanny.

Significant Themes

• Trust and partnership: The chapter marks the beginning of a new horse-and-jockey partnership, with Jin learning that Mejiro Sakuya is more manageable and gifted than her reputation suggests.
• Preparation and ambition: The stable’s unusually early departure for Dubai reflects its determination to pursue victory through meticulous conditioning rather than merely relying on the mare’s natural talent.
• The contrast between appearance and ability: Mejiro Sakuya’s lazy expression hides extraordinary power and potential. Jin recognizes the “blazing light” beneath her seemingly drowsy exterior.
• Childlike innocence amid elite competition: Although Mejiro Sakuya is being prepared for one of the world’s biggest races, her attempts to eat grass and her affectionate behavior make her seem more like a spoiled young girl than a formidable champion.
• Physical development and weight control: The stable focuses closely on muscle growth, balance, and limiting unnecessary food as part of the mare’s final preparation.

Character Interactions

• Kitano and Jin exchange a cautious first impression before developing mutual professional respect.
• Arayama communicates the Dubai plan and invites Jin to ride, while Ogawa bridges the language gap between them.
• Jin bonds with Mejiro Sakuya almost immediately when the mare affectionately rubs against her hand.
• Kitano’s attempt to feed the mare and Ogawa’s warning reveal the owner’s affection and the groom’s practical authority.
• Jin’s positive assessment of Mejiro Sakuya reassures the stable and publicly raises expectations for the Dubai World Cup.
• Mejiro Sakuya’s final attempt to eat grass provides a humorous reminder that, despite her growing strength and international ambitions, she remains playful and childlike.

Chapter Summary: “The Jockey’s Proposal”

Key Plot Points and Events

• As Kitano leaves Arayama Stable, jockey Sasagawa approaches him privately to discuss Atalanta’s next race.
• Over lunch at Sato Chaya, Sasagawa reveals that he wants Atalanta to enter the Tulip Sho, the trial race for the Oka Sho, the first race of the Fillies’ Triple Crown.
• Kitano initially believes Sasagawa may be suggesting the Satsuki Sho, the male Classic race, and dismisses that route as unrealistic for a filly.
• Sasagawa explains that Atalanta is eligible for the Tulip Sho through the supplementary entry system, and he offers to pay the supplementary entry fee for the Oka Sho if she qualifies.
• Kitano considers the proposal seriously. While Atalanta has mainly raced on dirt, her physical abilities may make her capable of competing on turf and over 1,600 meters.
• Kitano consults the Advisory Team about the Oka Sho. Their assessments are broadly positive:
  • Nagamine believes Atalanta’s large frame and flexible legs suit longer distances, though her timid temperament could cause problems. She can handle 1,600 meters.
  • Kappoki finds her speed sufficient for the Classic trail but notes that her compact torso may disadvantage her in the final stretch. She has a reasonable chance despite the challenge.
  • Mika praises her excellent heart and lungs, though her hind-leg power is limited. Mika recommends turning the race into a stamina contest, which would suit Atalanta.
• All three advisers suggest prominent jockeys, including D. S. Teixeira, Yutaka Take, and J. Moreira.
• Despite the favorable evaluations, Kitano does not make a final commitment. He tells Sasagawa that they must first discuss the matter with Trainer Majima.
• A fan comment at the end criticizes supporters of the Classic route for ignoring Atalanta’s feelings and the strain placed on her small body.

Character Developments

• Kitano demonstrates careful, analytical decision-making. He is no longer dismissive of ambitious racing opportunities, but he refuses to pursue them without considering Atalanta’s fitness, temperament, recovery time, and racing suitability.
• Sasagawa reveals his strong desire to advance Atalanta’s career. His nervous but enthusiastic behavior shows both determination and concern for her future.
• Atalanta is characterized as physically unusual but highly capable: she has excellent stamina and cardiovascular strength, yet her temperament, body structure, and limited hind-leg power remain potential weaknesses.
• Trainer Majima, though absent, becomes an important decision-maker whose opinion is necessary before Atalanta’s next race is chosen.
• The Advisory Team provides differing but complementary assessments, emphasizing that no single evaluation fully determines Atalanta’s prospects.

Significant Themes

• Ambition versus caution: The chapter explores whether Atalanta should attempt a prestigious but demanding Classic route rather than follow the safer dirt-racing path.
• Athlete welfare: The fan’s closing comment highlights the concern that public expectations may overlook Atalanta’s emotional and physical limits.
• Uncertainty and potential: Atalanta’s lack of turf experience makes the decision difficult, but her physical qualities suggest she may possess untapped ability.
• Evidence-based decision-making: Kitano relies on expert evaluations rather than reputation, fan enthusiasm, or wishful thinking.
• Individual suitability over tradition: Although the conventional route may be safer, the chapter suggests that the best path should be determined by Atalanta’s unique strengths and weaknesses.

Character Interactions

• Sasagawa approaches Kitano with unusual seriousness and secrecy, creating the impression that he has major news.
• During lunch, Sasagawa is overly attentive and excited, while Kitano remains composed and probes him for the real purpose of the meeting.
• Kitano challenges Sasagawa’s proposal by raising concerns about turf racing, the 1,600-meter distance, entry procedures, and Atalanta’s ability to adapt.
• Sasagawa counters each concern with practical information and even offers to bear the entry cost, showing how strongly he supports the plan.
• Kitano consults the Advisory Team privately while Sasagawa waits, then gives him a cautious response rather than an immediate acceptance.
• The chapter ends with the decision still unresolved, pending discussion with Trainer Majima.

Chapter Summary: “That Special Day”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sasagawa calls Majima from Sato Chaya to discuss entering Mejiro Atalanta in the Tulip Sho, whose entry deadline is only hours away. Sasagawa wants Atalanta to experience turf racing, even if he is not the jockey chosen to ride her.
• Majima initially objects, reminding Sasagawa that they had agreed the trainer would handle the decision. However, Sasagawa’s emotional insistence convinces him to come to Chaya and discuss the matter with President Kitano.
• The chapter reflects on the bond that has developed between Majima, Sasagawa, and Atalanta since the Heiseke Memorial. Majima has begun living at Kobayashi’s stable on non-racing days, hoping to understand Atalanta better and prevent her from losing control during training.
• Although Atalanta was once viewed as a difficult, timid, and eccentric filly who frequently bolted, Majima has come to regard her as his “special horse.” Her victory in the Heiseke Memorial suggested she might possess the ability to succeed on turf, but Majima remains worried about pushing her too quickly.
• Majima arrives at Sato Chaya and apologizes to President Kitano. After considering the situation, Kitano agrees that the Tulip Sho may not be the best immediate choice.
• Kitano researches the qualification rules for the regional racing classics and identifies two possible Central Racing races: the Kisaragi Sho at Kyoto over 1,800 meters and the Hundred Flowers Cup at Tokyo over 1,600 meters.
• Based on the Advisory Team’s assessment of Atalanta’s distance range, Kitano selects the Kisaragi Sho. Winning it would provide a route toward entering the Oka Sho, but Atalanta would have only one realistic chance to secure that path.
• Majima and Sasagawa enthusiastically accept the challenge, while Kitano reminds them to focus first on preparing for the Kisaragi Sho.
• After leaving Chiba, Kitano speaks with Wada by phone about Australian racing. He openly explains both its strengths and weaknesses, suggesting that his responsibilities and outside connections are becoming increasingly demanding.
• The chapter ends with a racing-news listing confirming the planned targets: Meisho Gekkei for the Tulip Sho and Mejiro Atalanta for the Kisaragi Sho.

Character Development

• Majima is shown becoming deeply attached to Atalanta. What began as professional responsibility has developed into genuine affection and protectiveness. He sees her potential but struggles with the fear of injuring or overwhelming her by advancing too quickly.
• Sasagawa demonstrates strong faith in Atalanta’s abilities and an emotional commitment to giving her the opportunity to race on turf. His calm tone contrasts with the intensity of his feelings.
• President Kitano acts as the practical decision-maker. He carefully balances ambition with Atalanta’s actual abilities, ultimately choosing the longer Kisaragi Sho as the most suitable opportunity.
• Atalanta continues to be characterized as both troublesome and lovable: unpredictable during training, yet timid, playful, obedient, and affectionate around the stable. Her unusual personality strengthens the bond between the people caring for her.
• Kitano also appears increasingly burdened by his broader responsibilities, as shown by his later conversation with Wada and his reflection that the busy season has begun.

Significant Themes

• The bond between humans and racehorses: Majima’s decision to live at the stable emphasizes the importance of trust, patience, and shared daily life in understanding an animal.
• Balancing ambition with responsibility: The chapter presents the tension between pursuing Atalanta’s potential and protecting her physical and mental development.
• Taking a decisive chance: The Kisaragi Sho represents a major opportunity, but also a high-risk, one-shot path toward the Oka Sho.
• Love behind professional decisions: Racing choices are not based solely on statistics or strategy; Majima and Sasagawa’s decisions are influenced by their affection for Atalanta and their desire to see her thrive.
• The meaning of a “special horse”: Atalanta has become uniquely important to Majima, transforming his work from a career into a deeply personal commitment.

Important Character Interactions

• Sasagawa and Majima: Their phone conversation reveals disagreement over responsibility, but also their shared emotional investment in Atalanta.
• Majima and Atalanta: Their relationship is portrayed through Majima’s memories and his growing affection for her despite her difficult behavior.
• Majima, Sasagawa, and Kitano: The three carefully negotiate Atalanta’s next race. Their shared tension gives way to renewed determination once Kitano proposes the Kisaragi Sho.
• Kitano and Wada: Their phone call broadens the chapter’s scope beyond Atalanta, showing Kitano’s willingness to help others and his growing involvement in international racing matters.

Chapter Summary: “Cloudless Skies”

Plot Points and Events

• On a bitterly cold Sunday in February, Beijing Racecourse is crowded with fans awaiting the Kisaragi Sho, the day’s only graded race.
• President Kitano arrives by owners’ shuttle bus rather than train and enters through the Triple Crown Gate.
• Before the race, he visits several memorial sites:
  • He takes photos with young fans near the Mejiro Takamine statue and jokes that the statue’s belly is too small.
  • He respectfully prays at Horsehead Kannon, reflecting on how fortune has favored him and his horses over the past year.
  • He visits the Rice Shower Monument, where fans have left carrots and flowers. Feeling unprepared, he offers a packet of mint candies from his pocket and sincerely wishes Rice Shower peace in heaven. The fans thank and bow to him, leaving him puzzled but moved.
• Kitano then goes to the parade ring to inspect the ten Kisaragi Sho runners. His horse, Mejiro Atalanta, is drawn in gate six.
• Bachta is the race favorite after placing second in the Kyoto Two-Year-Old Stakes. Atalanta is the fourth favorite, supported by three local victories and strong training times.
• Despite being suited to turf, Atalanta has struggled with the journey to Ritto. She initially refused food and remained mentally tense until the day before the race, exhausting trainer Majima and stablehand Okisawa.
• Atalanta appears noticeably smaller than the other horses and somewhat timid in the parade ring, but she does not panic. Jockey Sasagawa calms her before mounting.
• Kitano speaks with Sasagawa, who promises to handle Atalanta, and feels relieved when the horse appears composed.
• The runners leave for the track beneath a completely clear sky. The turf is firm.
• A racing report announces that Bachta has dominated her workout partner, reinforcing her status as the horse to beat.

Character Developments

• Kitano displays a mixture of humor, humility, superstition, and genuine compassion. His visit to Rice Shower’s monument reveals his respect for racing history and his emotional sensitivity beneath his joking exterior.
• He is increasingly attentive to Atalanta’s physical and mental condition, worrying about her travel stress and smaller build while remaining hopeful after seeing her settle.
• Atalanta is portrayed as talented but vulnerable. Her strong record and training suggest ability, while her travel-related appetite loss and nervousness highlight her fragility.
• Sasagawa shows confidence and professionalism, reassuring Kitano that he is prepared to guide Atalanta.
• Majima and Okisawa are shown as patient caretakers whose efforts to feed and calm Atalanta have taken a personal toll.
• Bachta is established as a formidable rival through her prior result and impressive workout.
• The racing fans demonstrate strong emotional investment in both Kitano and the sport’s legacy, particularly Rice Shower.

Significant Themes

• Tradition and remembrance: The memorials and monuments connect the present race to the history and departed heroes of racing.
• Faith and uncertainty: Kitano performs formal prayers despite not knowing whether they will help, reflecting his desire for protection and success.
• Compassion beneath competition: The chapter balances the competitive anticipation of the Kisaragi Sho with concern for Rice Shower’s memory and Atalanta’s well-being.
• Pressure and vulnerability: Atalanta’s nervousness and Bachta’s strong reputation establish the psychological pressure surrounding the upcoming race.
• Hope before a contest: The clear sky and firm track create an atmosphere of possibility, even as Kitano recognizes the risks facing his horse.

Character Interactions

• Kitano cooperates warmly with young fans and jokes with them about the Mejiro Takamine statue.
• Fans at the Rice Shower Monument respectfully thank and bow to him after he pays his respects.
• Kitano exchanges brief greetings with Majima and Okisawa, though they are too occupied with Atalanta to engage fully.
• He and Sasagawa share a formal but supportive exchange, with Kitano entrusting Atalanta to the jockey.
• Kitano witnesses trainer Sugei being photographed by an enthusiastic owner, briefly mistaking him for someone connected to trainer Yahagi.
• The chapter ends with Kitano observing the runners move toward the track while a broadcast emphasizes Bachta’s strength, heightening anticipation for the race.