The Stable.
It was already afternoon by the time Ayano Aoe and Koichi arrived, and Gold Ship had finished lunch.
"Has Gold Ship lost a little weight?"
Ayano Aoe looked Gold Ship up and down.
I didn't really notice during the lap, but now Gold Ship definitely looks a little smaller than back at the Ranch.
"Probably because of all the work adapting to the track lately. Gold Ship's slimmed down a little, but once this race is over, there'll be a whole summer vacation to enjoy at the Ranch."
Koichi nodded.
The weigh-in a few days ago had indeed shown a slight drop.
He just wondered how much weight Gold Ship would gain over the summer. Hopefully, it would stay within manageable limits.
Neigh-
Seeing the two of them approach, Gold Ship stopped watching the scenery outside and came straight over.
What are these two doing here?
After finishing work, Gold Ship had come back for a bath and a meal, then rolled around in the stall.
From what the little sidekick had said, they could go home tomorrow.
"Gold Ship, did you miss me?"
Ayano Aoe walked over.
Unfortunately, she had come straight from the restaurant this time and hadn't brought any treats for Gold Ship.
Next time, for sure.
Snort-
Gold Ship leaned in, sniffed twice, then walked away.
No treats, no petting.
"Gold Ship, aren't you being a little too mercenary? Is our friendship really that fragile?"
Ayano Aoe asked as she watched Gold Ship turn to leave.
The young racehorses at her family's place adored her. Every time she visited, the little ones would come over curiously.
With Gold Ship, she had no advantage whatsoever.
"Ship."
In the end, Koichi beckoned to Gold Ship.
Only when Gold Ship saw Koichi approach did the horse come