On the day of the Arima Kinen.
"Thanks for your hard work, Sasaki. You still have a Newcomer Race this morning."
When Saki Ikegami saw Koichi approaching, she handed him a bottle of mineral water.
Thanks to their efforts, they had secured four rides for the day of the Arima Kinen.
One Maiden Race, one Two-Year-Old Newcomer Race, and a Three-Year-Old Racehorse event still to come.
"Whew-finally, I can take a break."
Koichi took off his Racing Silks, revealing the weighted armor underneath.
Riding in one race after another really was tiring.
Fortunately, all his rides that day were in the morning. He could rest for a while in the afternoon before competing in the Arima Kinen.
Naturally, his results had not been as good as before.
This time, his opponents were formidable jockeys like Yutaka Take, Li Muhua, and Christophe Lemaire.
Yutaka Take, in particular, relentlessly targeted him whenever they faced each other.
Take had finally found his chance.
But!
Koichi would definitely redeem himself in the Arima Kinen.
No matter how much Take targeted him in races like these, none of it could compare to the prize money and glory of winning this year's Arima Kinen.
What went around came around.
"Your coat, Sasaki. Don't catch a cold."
Saki Ikegami handed him a down jacket.
Although he looked rather slim, his arms were genuinely muscular.
There was a reason he could drive a horse forward so powerfully.
"Yeah. Once I finish my last race this morning, let's go out and get something to eat."
Since he still had a race in the afternoon, Koichi did not dare eat too much at lunch.
After all, he had to weigh in before every race.
"Go out to eat? I've already prepared a high-calorie meal for you."
Saki Ikegami blinked.
After