"Japan Jordan!"
"Japan Jordan!!"
"Jockey Sasaki!!"
The Autumn Tenno Sho had also been held here, so the fans who had supported Japan Jordan back then had come for this race too.
With this, Japan Jordan was sure to secure a spot in the year-end Arima Kinen.
After winning two championships, missing out on the Arima Kinen would be downright absurd.
Although this year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe champion wasn't theirs, they had beaten that champion.
That was some consolation, at least.
Koichi let Japan Jordan stroll around the course twice before heading toward the exit passage.
But this had definitely been his hardest-fought victory. Even as he crossed the finish line, he hadn't known whether he had pulled it off.
Fortunately, they had won the race by the slimmest of margins.
"That's youth for you."
On the way back, Yasuo Iwata sighed in admiration.
He had thought he had already caught up on the outside, but his opponent's urging had been so powerful that he had driven Japan Jordan ahead again.
"I got lucky this time, sir."
Koichi glanced at Lovely Scenery beside him.
According to the original plan, Lovely Scenery would retire at the end of this year.
The Arima Kinen would be Lovely Scenery's farewell race.
Of course, everyone hoped Lovely Scenery could win the Arima Kinen before retiring.
But he still had no intention of simply handing over first place.
"A loss is a loss. Hurry along to your interview."
Yasuo Iwata waved a hand.
"Right."
Koichi didn't stand on ceremony. He really was pressed for time.
He had more or less decided what to say in this interview.
The interview area.
"Congratulations to Jockey Sasaki on his fourth Grade 1 victory at Tokyo Racecourse! This time, you defeated not only Lovely Scenery, but also