Interview: Race Plans

The post-race interview area was packed with media reporters from Japan and China. Camera flashes went off one after another, making Zhang Jun's face flicker between light and shadow.

Zheng Shan stood beside Zhang Jun, acting as his interpreter. After Zhang Jun finished each response, Zheng Shan repeated it in Japanese for the reporters present.

"Owner Zhang, what are your thoughts on Shadow Hunter and Cloudstream Flying Shadow taking first and second place?"

A Japanese reporter in a light-blue shirt was the first to ask. His microphone was practically poking Zhang Jun in the face.

Zhang Jun smiled and tried to steady his hands, making himself look more composed. "I'm very proud and very excited. Shadow Hunter and Cloudstream Flying Shadow were the first two racehorses to follow me. Seeing them both place in a foreign country and sweep the top two spots, I was so excited as their owner that I nearly jumped off the grandstand."

After Zheng Shan translated, the reporters broke into a round of good-natured laughter.

"What is your assessment of Japanese racecourse surfaces?" another reporter asked.

"Tokyo Racecourse's track is excellent. Although there are some elevation changes and the ground is relatively firm, the turf is maintained extremely well and feels very comfortable to run on," Zhang Jun said seriously.

"Trainer Yahagi and the racecourse staff gave us a great deal of help. Without them, Shadow Hunter and Cloudstream Flying Shadow could not have adapted to Japan's high-speed tracks so quickly. I'm deeply grateful for that."

A female reporter raised her hand. "Owner Zhang, will Shadow Hunter and Cloudstream Flying Shadow continue campaigning in Japan, or will they return home?"

Zhang Jun froze. He had not yet discussed that question with Lin Zhi and reached a conclusion.

"We haven't decided whether they'll stay in Japan