Once they finished the procedures at the racecourse, there were photos and interviews.
This time, the host was noticeably more enthusiastic during the interview. Koichi Sasaki's standing was different now.
And Aoe Ranch certainly wouldn't be changing jockeys. A Triple Crown sweep in his very first year?
It truly was a dream start.
After taking care of all that, Koichi went with Yosuke to take Golden Masterpiece back.
"Is he getting an extra feast tonight?"
Although Koichi didn't know much about those ingredients, he could tell how valuable they were just from their names.
This meal probably cost half a month's wages for some people.
"Of course. Asho gets a big extra feast every time he wins a race."
Hitachi Yosuke smiled as he prepared the ingredients.
Koichi simply hadn't noticed before.
But there was no denying that Golden Masterpiece ate better than they did.
Neigh-!
Golden Masterpiece poked his head out of his stall and called.
He had worked very hard today.
He had left all the other racehorses far behind.
"Don't rush me. It'll be ready in a moment."
Hitachi Yosuke turned and called back.
He had probably caught the familiar scents.
Neigh-
Golden Masterpiece wasn't going anywhere now. He waited right by the door.
All of that was his!
"Koichi, are you planning to head back tonight?"
"Tomorrow. Apparently there's an official pre-race interview tomorrow, so I have to delay my return by a day."
Koichi shook his head as he answered.
Unlike the previous interviews, this one would be a major interview with the whole team.
As for what he needed to do, he would just read from the script when the time came. Unlike other jockeys who liked talking each other up, he preferred keeping a low profile.
No matter how impressive someone sounded before