"All jockeys, please prepare to enter. The race will begin shortly."
A staff member hurried over and made the announcement.
Hakodate Racecourse was making a killing today. Plenty of people had come to watch the spectacle, along with quite a few big names.
This two-year-old Newcomer Race had become the center of attention.
The attention it drew was hardly any less than that of a graded stakes race.
"Good luck, young master. You too, Ship."
Miku Kuchiki stroked Gold Ship's face.
Rather than worrying about her young master's performance, she was more concerned that Gold Ship might cause trouble during the race.
As Gold Ship's groom, she knew the horse all too well.
Ever since arriving today, Gold Ship had not settled down for even a moment.
"Don't worry."
Koichi took the reins and swung himself into the saddle.
Today, there was only one opponent he needed to watch out for, while nine opponents were watching out for him.
But with Gold Ship's ability, he certainly had nothing to fear from them.
The other jockeys also found their mounts one after another.
Once Yutaka Take mounted, his attention remained fixed on Gold Ship.
He had done quite a bit of research in his effort to win this race.
A powerful physique and an impressive finishing kick.
Together, those made for a formidable racehorse, but Gold Ship just would not stop getting worked up.
Looking left, looking right.
Neigh-
Gold Ship whinnied, then quickly caught up with the Lead Horse at the front.
Since this was a small racecourse, one Lead Horse was usually enough. Gold Ship, however, ran straight up to it and proceeded alongside it.
The sight made everyone nearby burst out laughing.
Are you here to race or to be the Lead Horse?
Neigh-?
After catching up, Gold