That afternoon.
This time, Koichi put on the racing silks of Japan Jordan's Horse Owner.
This was the third different set of racing silks he had worn.
He had mostly worn Aoe Ranch's racing silks that year, followed by his own family's. Now he was wearing yet another set.
Whether he could help Japan Jordan's Horse Owner claim his first Grade 1 victory would come down to this race.
Japan Jordan's Horse Owner was naturally watching at Tokyo Racecourse as well.
There were plenty of individual Horse Owners in horse racing, but only a tiny fraction ever won a Grade 1.
"Did that guy only come here this year?"
Koichi asked curiously.
The Autumn Tenno Sho was about to begin, and all eighteen jockeys were making their final preparations.
He wasn't very familiar with this man.
"That's what I heard. He's from Europe too, and this is his first Grade 1 ride here."
Kenichi Ikezoe nodded.
"He's riding last year's Japan Cup winner, Rose Kingdom."
Last year, Rose Kingdom had claimed his second Grade 1 victory with Yutaka Take aboard.
"Almost everyone really is here this time."
Koichi nodded.
Rose Kingdom was also the fourth favorite this time.
Their opponents really were strong. Several of the horses were Grade 1 contenders.
Yuga Kawada was riding last year's Kikuka Sho winner too, though that horse wasn't attracting much support this time.
Some horses did mature early, their ability beginning to decline at four.
"Don't think about it too much. Get ready. We'll be heading out soon."
Kenichi Ikezoe glanced at the time as he spoke.
People hadn't waited at the racecourse all day for nothing. Many were there to see which horse would ultimately win the Autumn Tenno Sho.
"As expected of you, Sasaki. You look good in any racing silks."