After the final sprint race for horses aged three and older ended that day, not all the spectators left.
Lovely Scenery's retirement ceremony was still to come.
By then, the sky had gone completely dark, and the floodlights around the racecourse had all been switched on.
Lovely Scenery's fans had gathered along the route, waiting for the horse to pass.
"An era is coming to an end. Lovely Scenery will say goodbye to the track today."
Ayano Aoe sighed.
It was a fact no one could change. Every racehorse would eventually decline.
Golden Masterpiece's retirement ceremony would surely be held at Nakayama Racecourse as well.
"As some horses leave, new ones arrive. That's how this place works."
Koichi spoke from beside her.
After retiring, a horse like Lovely Scenery would return straight to Northern Farm to begin breeding.
But when it came to breeding results, Lovely Scenery really couldn't compare with Cesario.
By then, he had long since changed into winter clothes. With no sunlight left at all, wearing his jockey outfit would have frozen him to death.
"Where's that agent you hired?"
Ayano Aoe glanced around.
The two of them had been together constantly lately, but his agent was certainly capable.
Sasaki had first won several races in Tokyo, then picked up quite a few more victories here at Nakayama Racecourse.
Koichi Sasaki was now a savior in the eyes of some individual owners.
I'm leaving my horse in your hands!
"I think she's over with the Sunday Club people. We'll be working together next year, after all."
Koichi answered.
The first race was coming up soon, so there were still plenty of details to confirm.
"Where's the first race?"
"Kyoto, I think. They're saying January eighth for now, but they haven't told me anything else."
Koichi spread his