The next day, at Stable No. 1.
"So this is Deep Impact's offspring, Danon Blue?"
When Koichi came to collect Golden Masterpiece that day, he glanced into the neighboring stall.
Danon Blue Age: two years Coat: bay Specialties: turf, sprints Running style: front-runner
That running style was different from Danon Blue's father's. He remembered that Deep Impact had been a closer, just like Asho.
Perhaps it was the influence of the bloodline on the mother's side.
"Yes, this is the offspring of that Deep Impact."
Hitachi Yosuke's eyes were filled with admiration.
If he could have become Deep Impact's groom, he would have been satisfied for the rest of his life!
"Looks about the same size as Asho."
Koichi nodded.
They were actually related, after all, since both had Sunday Silence as their grandfather.
In this era, racehorses with Sunday Silence blood were quite famous in Japan.
"They weigh about the same. Danon Blue even used to bully Asho when they were little."
Snort-!
"Haha, Asho, I was joking."
Realizing his mistake, Hitachi Yosuke hurriedly apologized.
Golden Masterpiece had been born prematurely and had often been bullied by the other horses of the same age.
Golden Masterpiece, who was being groomed, shot him a glare.
Naturally, the horse did not want more people hearing about things like that.
Especially this jockey standing right here!
"I see. I heard Danon Blue is entering next year's Grade 3 race in Kyoto too?"
Koichi followed up with another question.
Hitachi Yosuke was an important source of information for him.
He had never expected his rival to be right next door.
If he were Golden Masterpiece, he would certainly work hard to beat this old companion who had once looked down on him.
"I think so. The groom mentioned it recently. We should be traveling together."
Hitachi Yosuke thought for a moment before answering.
Wherever the racehorses went, their grooms naturally had to follow.
As for transportation, the farm would arrange that in advance.
They would be flying anyway.
"You're that newcomer, Sasaki, aren't you?"
Suddenly, a figure appeared at the entrance to Golden Masterpiece's stall.
He gave the two of them a somewhat disdainful glance before speaking.
"I'm Koichi Sasaki. And you are?"
Koichi turned to look at him.
Judging by his outfit, the man seemed to be a jockey too.
"I'm Matsutomo Kazuma, Danon Blue's jockey for this race. I happened to have some free time today, so I came to check on the horse."
Matsutomo Kazuma smiled.
He truly could not understand why that young lady had given a newcomer the ride on Golden Masterpiece.
After all, the horse had won a two-year-old maiden race.
Of course, when it came to the sires' abilities, Stay Gold was certainly no match for Deep Impact.
Besides, Danon Blue had already taken two consecutive wins in races for two-year-olds.
He was determined to win this third race!
"Then I look forward to learning from you."
As a newcomer, Koichi kept his attitude modest.
Once they were on the track, he would crush the man!
"Hahaha-come and ask me if there's anything you don't understand."
Matsutomo Kazuma laughed a few times, then went to see Danon Blue next door.
He did not consider a rookie who had only just debuted worth his attention.
"Sasaki, that's how it is for newcomers. It'll get better once you're past that stage."
Hitachi Yosuke had also picked up on the mockery in the man's words.
Although he hoped Golden Masterpiece would achieve better results, he wanted Asho to live a happier life even more.
Asho had clearly changed since Sasaki arrived.
"It's fine. I won't take it to heart."
Koichi gave a sly smile.
He really did not think much of the man's provocation.
His future with Golden Masterpiece certainly would not end at a Grade 3 race.
"Good. Then Asho is in your hands today."
"Don't worry."
Koichi gently patted Golden Masterpiece's neck, then put the bridle on.
Neigh-
Golden Masterpiece looked at the two people on either side.
These two-legged creatures were so strange.
A week later, Koichi and the others set off for Kyoto with the two racehorses.
He was quite curious about Japan's ancient capital.
This would also be his first visit to a major racecourse.
As for the farm, he had left its management entirely to Mirai's father. This trip to Kyoto would keep him away for at least a month.
"Asho, get in."
Only after several burly men put in considerable effort did Golden Masterpiece slowly walk into the horse transport truck.
Neigh-!
Golden Masterpiece fussed for a while longer before calming down.
Naturally, the horse was not particularly fond of long journeys.
No matter how good the facilities were, they could never be as comfortable as home.
Danon Blue, of course, traveled in the same truck.
The other staff boarded two small black vans bound for Chitose Airport in Sapporo.
Ayano Aoe would naturally wait until a few days before the race to fly from Hokkaido to Kyoto.
"Time really flies. Last time, we were heading to Tokyo."
Hitachi Yosuke gazed out the window, feeling a little wistful.
Their last trip had ended in a crushing defeat. Everyone had been full of anticipation for Tokyo, only for the horse to finish tenth.
He hoped things would go a little more smoothly this time.
"Have you been to Kyoto before, Sasaki?"
At that moment, Koichi was leaning back in his seat, resting with his headphones on.
"Hm? Kyoto? No, I haven't. I've spent the past few years in Tokyo."
Koichi shook his head.
Compared with a historic place like Kyoto, young people tended to prefer Tokyo.
He was no exception.
Tokyo was the place that country folk like them dreamed of, and countless young people flocked there one after another.
"Haha, it's my first time too, then. We can go sightseeing together when we get back and have some time to rest."
Hitachi Yosuke sounded rather pleased.
He was born and raised in Hokkaido.
He really had never been there before, so at least he would have some company this time.
That was also one of the perks of being a groom: he got to travel with the racehorses every time, and it was free.
"I've already made plans with a friend."
Koichi smiled awkwardly.
He had already arranged for Megumi Mitsumori to show him around a little on this trip.
Of course, his main purpose in going was to familiarize Golden Masterpiece with the track. After all, the horse had never run there before.
Their training schedule was still rather tight.
If he remembered correctly, they would have one day off.
"All right, then."
Hitachi Yosuke had not expected to lose his only prospective companion just like that.
He stretched, then started looking at his phone too.
Since Sasaki had already made plans with someone else, he would have to go sightseeing alone.
He just wondered whether the person Sasaki had made plans with was a man or a woman.
Once the other man stopped talking, Koichi closed his eyes and continued resting.
Sometimes, having a professional team was wonderfully convenient. The farm staff had arranged everything else, and all he needed to do was turn up and register.
After arriving in Kyoto, he would face his first race.
(End of chapter)
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