The VIP lounge.
"Are those Sunday clubs busy preparing Lovely Scenery's retirement ceremony?"
Ayano Aoe asked from her seat by the window.
"Yes, Young Lady. We're on today's invitation list too."
Fujitani Kotomi nodded.
Lovely Scenery would announce her retirement immediately after this race. By the time the Arima Kinen was over, the preparations for the ceremony would be more or less complete.
Holding it right at Nakayama Racecourse was a good choice.
Their ranch staff had also been invited.
"All right, make the arrangements. We'll all be leaving a little later today."
Ayano Aoe said.
Another era was coming to an end. Special Week's strongest offspring had reached her final curtain call.
She wondered how Lovely Scenery would perform in the upcoming race. Her last two races had gone poorly, with her repeatedly getting boxed in on the inside and unable to break free.
"Miss Aoe."
"Mr. Shimakawa."
After reaching his seat, Shimakawa spotted Ayano Aoe.
The racehorses they owned were the focus of today's race.
Golden Masterpiece versus Japan Jordan.
The two horses were currently making their pre-race appearances in the Parade Ring.
"You seem quite confident about today's race, Miss Aoe."
"Reasonably so. I haven't congratulated you yet on Japan Jordan being the third favorite this time."
Despite winning two races in a row, Japan Jordan was still less popular than Lovely Scenery.
That said plenty.
"..."
Shimakawa was left utterly speechless.
Apparently, she was still upset about his attempt to poach her jockey.
But in the end, Koichi Sasaki had been quite decisive, having his trainer reply to him directly.
He had offered so many favorable terms, yet the young man hadn't been tempted in the slightest.
On the track.
"Welcome to Nakayama Racecourse, everyone, for this final grand spectacle!"
Whoa-!
Whoooo-!
As the horses