"Let's go."
Kenichi Ikezoe patted Koichi on the back, then headed out.
He was already more than satisfied to have the chance to ride Eishin Flash in this Japan Cup.
Ideally, he would come away with a good result.
"Yeah."
Koichi followed at a brisk pace.
Neigh-
Japan Jordan gave a neigh as soon as Koichi appeared.
We meet again.
After eating those new carrots lately, Japan Jordan felt that recovery had been especially quick.
Of course, the main reason was that the last hard-fought race had not been particularly long, so it had not taken too much out of Japan Jordan.
"Good horse."
Koichi stroked Japan Jordan's face, then mounted.
At his height, getting into the saddle was easy.
"Jockey Sasaki, sorry for the trouble. We'll leave things to you from here."
Japan Jordan's stablehand handed him the reins.
After this stretch of training, he felt that Japan Jordan seemed to be in even better form than in the autumn.
Although there was no rush to retire Japan Jordan, the second half of this year really offered the best opportunity.
"No problem."
Koichi nodded, then waited for the lead horses to come over.
Because of the Racecourse Track this time, they would have to take a long loop after entering the venue to reach their designated spot. That stretch would serve as a light warm-up.
"Let's head out."
"All right."
Then Eishin Flash and Japan Jordan headed toward the lead horses together.
Neither of them was the focus of attention today, of course.
"Lovely Scenery, our standard-bearer-!!"
"Dan Shan Meng-!!"
"The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe champion!"
As the racehorses began moving, the spectators in the Parade Ring grew excited.
These racing fans had been obsessed with the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for decades, only to suffer crushing